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RAIN (Rural Agri -Innovation Network) is pleased to host the FIRST Food/Agricultural Industry networking event for the Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie, ON area. 

Who should attend:  Farmers, producers (including aqua-culture), breweries wineries, chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, food buyers, retailers, food distributors, abattoirs, processors, public & private sector institutions, food service and economic development organizations.  

With consumer demand and awareness for locally sourced food/drink increasing, this kind of event will prove a great opportunity for those in the industry who grow and produce local food/drink, to network with those who buy, distribute and serve it.  This event is for those who are currently or would like to learn more about buying and selling locally produced food and drink products.

“Our goal for this event, is to stimulate connections between farmers/producers and purchasers in the Algoma District to increase market opportunities and thereby strengthen the local food economy.” Says Sandra Trainor, RAIN Event Coordinator.   

 

DATE: Monday, May 11, 2015       TIME: 1 PM – 4 PM 

LOCATION:  Willow Teaching Restaurant, Sault College, 443 Northern Ave.  Sault Ste. Marie, ON

FEE:  No charge – PRE-Registration is REQUIRED, please RSVP by May 7, 2015

Contact:  Sandra Trainor   Phone: 705 942-7927 Ex 3065   Email: strainor@ssmic.com

Regular mail: RAIN, c/o Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, 1520 Queen St. E. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4 Att: Sandra Trainor 

On the agenda:   

  • B2B Networking Trade Show  (“Speed-Dating” portion)
  • Web-based tools that farmers and chefs/food buyers can utilize to sell and locate local food.
  • Chef’s Guide to Procuring Local Food
  • Farmer’s Guide to working with the food service Industry 

The “Growing Connections” networking event is hosted by RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network). RAIN is a project of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute.  RAIN works closely with farmers, suppliers, agri-entrepeneurs, Aboriginal and agricultural organizations to conduct research and provide business development and networking support.  RAIN is supported by the agricultural community, municipalities, the private sector (farmers and businesses) and funding partners (Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., FedNor and Ontario Trillium Foundation)   www.rainalgoma.ca

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