The Timmins Economic Development Corporation will explore which food crops can be grown in which region, hoping to take much of the risk of agriculture out of the industry, thereby promoting smart growth.
The Timmins area has plenty of available land, but knowing which land is better suited for which crops will improve industry results and make it more profitable for growers.
The corporation plans to partner with other organizations, including the Northeast Community Network, the Town of Kapuskasing and possibly the University of Guelph, to conduct a two-part study.
The first portion would consist of a three-year scientific crop trial at the Kapuskasing Experimental Farm. The results should better position growers to understand which crops they should invest in to diversify and grow their operations. Before this testing can begin, the Economic Development Corporation and its partners require grant money.
The second part of the study would examine the approximately one million acres of land in Northeastern Ontario, with the potential of being used for farming and creating a searchable inventory, with the aim of making it easier for growers and producers to find new farm land to expand their operations. The two study parts would be connected so that as farmers look for new land, they would also know which types of crops would fare best.
Services offered by external vendors, such as printing companies, will be necessary to help the corporation in their pursuit of grants, as well as presenting their findings in professional ways.
The progress of this study can be followed on the Timmins Economic Development Corporation’s website.
