Rural Ontario Institute

AALP Class 20, Seminar 6 – LeadNY and Parliament

Date: December 17, 2024

The AALP 20 class caravanned into Ottawa Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning for an early afternoon start, as most participants came from the western part of the province. The seminar started with some sponsor spotlights – Farm Credit Canada and the Grand River Agricultural Society – before we were joined by our counterparts from LeadNY...

From Letterfrack to Rural Ontario: Sharing Ideas from the 2024 North Atlantic Forum

Date: September 30, 2024

Researchers, policymakers and practitioners recently gathered in Letterfrack, Ireland for the 2024 North Atlantic Forum. The Forum focused on sustainable livelihoods and sought to engage new ideas in rural development, policy practice, and the social economy.

AALP Class 20 Seminar 5 - Eggs, Chickens and Technology

Date: September 30, 2024

AALP Class 20 recently completed seminar 5 - with three days in London and the surrounding area. We started out at the Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock at the 40th anniversary of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, celebrating 40 years of agriculture leadership development...

Local Innovation and Agricultural Leadership

Date: August 21, 2024

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) continues to provide participants with invaluable experiences that highlight the diversity and resilience of Ontario’s agricultural sector. During Class 20's fourth seminar in Thunder Bay, we explored a range of local businesses, organizations, and farms that exemplify the strength and ingenuity within our industry.

Finding Workers: Online Survey of Labour Force Shortages in Rural Ontario

Date: July 24, 2024

The future of rural businesses and communities is dependent on appropriate and effective workforce development strategies. Rural businesses and communities are confronted with challenges in accessing relevant human capital to support, maintain, and grow their operations. Without deliberate and place-based strategies, rural businesses and rural economies will be negatively impacted.

Bringing National and International Rural Research to Ontario

Date: July 18, 2024

Rural development practitioners are at the front line of facilitating prosperous rural communities, places, and environments across Ontario. Ensuring rural development practitioners have access to the most up to date knowledge is critical to facilitating decision-making on the future of rural places.

AALP Class 20 North American Study Tour: Freedom is Not Free

Date: April 25, 2024

After arriving in Washington, DC on Friday and spending time discussing agriculture and politics, Saturday was a day of reflection as we toured museums and historical monuments. Our first stop of the day was the White House Visitor Centre where we viewed historical artifacts, videos, and photos associated with the White House and past Presidents.

Addressing Rural Labour Shortages: Innovative Ontario Case Studies

Date: April 18, 2024

Amid economic uncertainties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario faces challenges in tight labour markets, high unemployment rates, and a significant skills gap, particularly in rural areas, where approximately 250,000 jobs remain unfilled.

AALP Class 20 North American Study Tour - Florida

Date: March 8, 2024

Day 3 in Florida started at the Everglades Research and Education Centre (EREC). Dr. Samira Daroub who is the Professor and EREC Center Director, Soil and Water Sciences, gave us the 100 + year history of the center which has expanded to 12 centers across Florida.

Remembering Agriculture Leader John Hagarty

Date: February 20, 2024

The Rural Ontario Institute remembers John "Jack" Hagarty, and his enduring legacy in the agriculture sector and Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP).

Jack Hagarty peacefully passed away in Guelph, Ontario, Monday February 5th, 2024 in his 86th year. He left an indelible mark in the agriculture industry and the hearts of all who knew him.

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