Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station will receive funding
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Thunder Bay’s Agricultural Research Station (TBARS) is set to receive up to $350,000 from the Province to support agriculture in Ontario’s north.
The investment will allow the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Association to work in tandem with the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance and other northern agricultural parties to develop detailed and sustainable plans for agricultural research in the north.
“Our government is committed to supporting a competitive agri-food sector and encouraging new and expanded agricultural opportunities for Northern Ontario,” said Ontario Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal. “I’m pleased to announce this funding, which will help the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station develop a long-term plan to ensure they continue their tradition of important contributions to our agricultural sector’s research needs.”
Information from OMAFRA says there are about 2,800 farms in northern Ontario spread across 700,000 acres of land. The farms generate a total of approximately $190 million in agricultural farm cash receipts.
Research done at the TBARS has resulted in a variety of crops being planted in the unique environment.
“I am incredibly proud of the support our government has provided over the last decade to TBARS,” said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines. “The research conducted has contributed to the discovery of new crops that can be grown in our region and promoted economic development for the agricultural sector here in the Northwest.”
According to the Thunder Bay Federation of Agriculture, there are 32 dairy farms, 26 beef farms and five poultry/egg farms.
Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts on Ontario’s decision to invest in the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Centre and agriculture in the north.