GHFFA Celebrates Canada’s 150th Birthday by Recognizing Canadian Farm Families that have been farming for just as long
TORONTO, May 1, 2017 – The Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA), with support from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), is celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday by recognizing the significant contribution of farm families who have been farming consecutively in the Golden Horseshoe for the last 150 years or more.
“Agriculture and family farms have played a major role in the development and growth of our country and province, so it feels right to pay tribute to these families during Canada’s 150th celebrations,” says Jamie Reaume, Chair of the GHFFA. “We can think of no better way to celebrate Canada and its history than by celebrating the history of agriculture and the farm families who have shown dedication to the land throughout these 150 years.”
Some of these families will be on their original farms, while others will have moved locations due to urban growth and development. Passing the farming tradition from generation to generation is an impressive achievement, but continuing that tradition for 150 years or more takes tremendous commitment, continuous improvements, risk taking and hard work.
Farm families who apply to the program and are verified will receive a specially-designed 150 farm family sign for their farm, and will be recognized at events later in the year.
The program is open to family farms in the Golden Horseshoe, which includes the Regions of Durham, Halton, Niagara, Peel, York, and the Cities of Hamilton and Toronto.
Application forms are available from Ontario Federation of Agricultural field staff or may be downloaded at www.foodandfarming.ca (download form here). The deadline for applications is September 30, 2017. Applications will be reviewed and verified by the 150 Farm Family Project Committee.
The GHFFA is a partnership between the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, the Friends of the Greenbelt, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the regional municipalities and Federations of Agriculture in Niagara, Peel, Halton, York, and Durham, and the cities of Hamilton and Toronto. The collaboration works for an integrated and coordinated approach to food and farming viability in the area to ensure that the Golden Horseshoe retains, enhances and expands its role as a leading food and farming cluster.
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Contact:
Janet Horner
Executive Director
Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance
519-925-5975
janet@whitfieldfarms.com
@GHFoodFarming