The County of Peterborough is seeking input on how you live, work, and play in the County of Peterborough as part of official plan development. It is the first of three surveys.
The current survey takes about 10 minutes and you do not need to be a resident of the County to complete it. For those interested in filling it out, the survey closes May 13th and is available on the new County OP webpage.
Update from Peterborough Public Health:
This is an update to the news item sent earlier today announcing availability of booking for farm workers and farmers.
We just received notice that the province has opened a ‘trust model’ for appointment booking. This means that all eligible groups can book online (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) or over the phone (1-833-943-3900) and proof of eligibility is not needed when booking or at the appointment.
Farms will not need to bring their tax stub, FBRN, or write letters of proof for employees.
From Peterborough Public Health:
On Thursday May 6th at 8am, agriculture and farm workers will be eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment as part of essential workers who cannot work from home Group 1. This eligibility will open across the province.
Further details are provided in Ontario’s Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination (p.18 -22).
Appointments can be booked through the Provincial Online Booking System (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/) and Provincial Vaccine Booking Line (1-833-943-3900: open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. seven days a week).
Essential workers will need to attest that they work in agriculture. They are also required to bring proof of employment to the vaccine appointment (pay stub, name badge, Farm Business Registration Number etc…).
Group One workers who are eligible to book their vaccine appointment on May 6th are asked to be patient, as it could take time for an appointment to be available. Keep checking regularly, as more appointments are added on an on-going basis.
The Census happens every 5 years and is the only source of information on agriculture in Peterborough. It is important that every farm fully participate so we as farmers have accurate information about our sector! Canadian farm operators will receive a letter in May 2021 with instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online quickly and easily.
Please help others if they have limited ability to participate online.
For more information: https://census.gc.ca/resources-ressources/cst-tsc/agriculture/horizon-eng.htm
Did you know the County of Peterborough's new Official Plan will address "on-farm diversified uses"?
What is an "on farm diversified use"? They are defined as “uses that are secondary to the principal agricultural use of the property and are limited in area. On-farm diversified uses include, but are not limited to, home occupations, home industries, agri-tourism uses, and uses that produce value-added agricultural products.”
The University of Guelph is looking for farmers interested in establishing on-farm diversified uses to complete a survey. It is intended that the outcomes of this project will contribute to the creation of best practices, policy and assist in preserving the long-term sustainability of agriculture while balancing opportunities for family farm entrepreneurs in Ontario.
Results will be available in the fall and could help to inform decision-making in our County!
Take the survey here: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3q6i9UCqWwJbAeq
Thank you to everyone who attended Farm Safety: Working Alone on the Farm on Wednesday. Thank you especially to Fred Young of the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) for leading the discussion.
A key takeaway from this discussion was the Stop Think Act Program:
Stop – What could go wrong? How bad could it be? Has anything changed?
Think – Do I clearly understand the task? Am I physically and mentally ready? Do I have the right tools & equipment?
Act – Make it safe. Use the right tools & equipment. Reduce risks.
It is also important to have a communication plan in place so that people know where you are and roughly how long you will be.
For more information and resources, visit WSPS.ca/farmsafety
Time is everything in an emergency. This session will focus on what hazards are associated with working alone and making a plan in advance.
Fred Young, a local farm safety consultant with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, will be speaking about the risks associated with working alone on a farm. He will focus on how to access help in a rural environment and will also discuss the importance of being prepared based on your own farm surroundings.
The presentation will last about 45 minutes and time will be allotted for questions.
Open to farmers throughout the east central Ontario region. Free.
Registration is required. Zoom link to follow.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/farm-safety-working-alone-on-the-farm-tickets-138815080643
Over the course of 2020, local organizations and volunteers worked hard to support local farmers - and the businesses that buy from them. Efforts included
Organizers need feedback from local farms on these tools and what can be done better in the future.
Please help out by completing this 3 minute survey: https://s.surveyplanet.com/T29YWTRJw
All comments from the farm community are welcome. Just email them to localfoodptbo@gmail.com.
Hello farm families! Take a break next Sunday for an afternoon of "farm" bingo and socializing!
Join fellow farm families for this FREE social event! Play a few bingo rounds and win prizes!
Open to all farm families in the Peterborough region.
Hosted by the Peterborough Ag Roundtable.
For more information and to register for the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bingo-tickets-142181373315
Trevor Crowe is the new OMAFRA Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Advisor covering Northumberland, Peterborough and Haliburton Counties. He started in late November 2020, taking over from Carolyn Puterbough. He has been busy meeting with Economic Development organizations and food-based businesses in the area, getting familiar with the needs in the community.
He says “It’s important to know what the emerging issues are for farm or food-based businesses on are on the ground”, so please let Trevor know of any specifics. Monthly issues are submitted and reviewed as briefing notes to the Minister's office. Trevor also is ex officio member of the Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable and the Future of Food and Farming Working Group in Peterborough. Contact him at Trevor.Crowe@Ontario.ca