Learning & Networking Opportunity at Free Upcoming Halton Agricultural Forum

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Halton Region is hosting their 4th annual Agricultural Forum on Thursday, March 10, from 7 – 9 p.m. at Country Heritage Park in Milton.

Halton Region Agricultural ForumThe forum will look at career opportunities in the agriculture and food sector, skills that will fill the employment gaps in the sector, and how to scale up and commercialize your agricultural products. With two informative speakers, the free event will be a great learning and networking opportunity.

Rene Van Acker, Associate Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, will be speaking about the abundance of career opportunities in the Agriculture and Food Sector.  OAC’s “Planning for Tomorrow” project has identified the skill sets and employment needs of the agriculture and food sector from primary production through to manufacturing/processing and distribution. They interviewed crop input supply dealers, feed manufacturing and sales, government agencies, grain companies and dealers, greenhouse vegetable producers, landscape horticulture/floriculture companies, life science companies, supporting organizations, and financial services. The study was intended to develop a better understanding of the demand for OAC graduates and to capture feedback from industry about the college’s graduates. They found that there is an under supply, pointing to great career opportunities for those entering these fields, especially as most are seeking some degree of education in the agriculture and food fields.

Michael Wolfson, Food and Beverage Sector Specialist with the City of Toronto, will be speaking about the Food Starter program – a 20,000 sq ft. facility that allows entrepreneurs to take a concept and commercialize it with all of the expertise and support available at one site.

Who should attend the Forum?
• Farmers
• Food processors
• Other agri-product processors
• Related associations and organizations
• Students
• Entrepreneurs interested in agriculture and food industries

Registration for the forum is now open.