On the evening of April 15, we had the pleasure of officially launching our new Learning Centre, surrounded by members, partners, and supporters of the Eastern Ontario agri-food community.
We would like to begin with a sincere thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially to our host, Sylviane Dutrisac, Vice President of the network, for welcoming us to Ferme Butte et Bine Farm and providing such a warm and inviting setting.
Throughout the evening, we heard from several speakers who highlighted the importance of learning and adaptability in today’s agri-food landscape. Neil MacMillin captured this sentiment perfectly, reminding us that learning is exactly what our network should continue to focus on as we grow and evolve.
Louis Béland shared a more personal perspective, speaking about his journey from being someone who once described himself as very shy while working in tech support at the University of Ottawa, to now contributing as a member of our Board of Directors. His story was a great reminder that growth often begins outside of our comfort zones. He also spoke about grants, emphasizing the importance of approaching them with a strategic and realistic perspective, focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term gain.
We also heard a compelling intervention from Pascal Billard, now President of the network, who spoke about sustainability in practical terms. He highlighted how operations in the transportation sector can function using just one bag of waste per week, and pointed to innovative, cost-effective products that help reduce environmental impact while remaining economically viable. He also touched on the importance of grants and funding programs that support initiatives like our Learning Centre and the broader development of the agri-food sector. An interesting detail worth noting is that the café at Ferme Butte & Bine produces only one bag of waste per week, a strong example of their commitment to sustainability.
The evening wasn’t just about speeches, it was also about experience. Guests enjoyed a selection of delicious, locally prepared food that showcased the richness and quality of our region’s offerings. Another reminder of the value of supporting local.
At the heart of the event was the launch of our Learning Centre platform. This new tool is designed to support producers, businesses, and agri-food stakeholders by providing accessible, relevant training and resources. We encourage everyone to explore the platform and dive into the available courses.
The platform currently features a growing list of courses covering these key topics:
- Business Essentials for Agri-Food Entrepreneurs
- Navigating the Digital Landscape in the Agri-Food Sector
- Mastering the Art of Selling in the Agri-Food Sector
- Destination Development and Tourism in the Agri-Food Sector
- Canadian Agricultural Policy, Past and Present
- Integrated Pest Management in the Agri-Food Sector
- Optimizing Soil and Plant Health in Agri-Food Production
- The 5 Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, return to the earth, repair
- Relational foundations: The art of integrity in your business relations
- Grants: from Idea to Application
- DIY Logo and Graphic Design for Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence for Food Businesses
- Web Presence and Analytics for Food Manufacturers
- Getting your product on store shelves
This event marked not just the launch of a platform, but the beginning of a new phase for our network, one where learning, sharing, and growing together take center stage.
A sincere thank you to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for their support in funding this project.
We look forward to seeing how this Learning Centre will empower our members and contribute to the continued success of Eastern Ontario’s agri-food sector.
