Agricultural Action Plan to be developed
November 3, 2009 - Following on a process began in 2005, the agricultural community will be called upon to participate in the development of an Agricultural Action Plan for Kawartha Lakes.
The first of two phases for this initiative included the completion of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Greater Peterborough Area Agricultural Economic Impact and Development Study which was released in November of 2006. The Impact Study Report was a picture in time of agriculture in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough and identified the strengths and potential gaps which could be addressed.
The development of the Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Action Plan will be the second phase of this initiative, and will identify a vision and specific activities to be undertaken by members of the agricultural and agri-food sector to expand and improve the economic outlook. The development of this Action Plan was also identified as one of the Strategic Priorities for Economic Development for the remaining term of Council for the City of Kawartha Lakes.
As with the first phase, partners in the project will include the Victoria/Haliburton Federation of Agriculture and the City of Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Development Advisory Board. In addition to budgetary funding support from both partners, grant support is also coming from Industry Canada, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and the Eastern Ontario Development Program through the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation.
Chairman Matt Pecoskie says the Steering Committee, made up of representatives from each of the participating partners, looks forward to the participation of all members of the agricultural community throughout the coming months. The development of the Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Action Plan will involve several steps including a survey, strategic planning workshop and public meeting, before a final Action Plan is produced. Throughout all parts of the process, members of the Kawartha Lakes agricultural community will be asked to participate including primary producers, processors, retailers, manufacturers, agricultural associations, government and educational institutions.
The development of the Action Plan will begin with the circulation and completion of a survey during November and December 2009. The Strategic Planning Workshop will be held in late January from which a Draft Action Plan will be developed. Follow a final public presentation and review in late February, the completed Kawartha Lakes Agricultural Action Plan will be presented to Council and the Federation for adoption.
In order to participate in this process, members of the agricultural community are asked to keep an eye on their mailboxes for copies of the survey. Updates to the process in the form of a newsletter as well as an electronic version of the survey will be available by email. To be added to the electronic contact list, please contact the Economic Development Office or Kelly Maloney, Agriculture Development Officer at kmaloney@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca or 705-324-9411 ext. 1208.
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