The event will provide farmers with information about farm transition and funding opportunities
Farmers and farm families across Lambton County are invited to attend an event to hear from speakers on topics like succession planning, funding programs, ag policy, and mental health.
Farming Forward, scheduled for Dec. 1 at the East Lambton Community Complex in Watford, is a joint presentation between the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) and the Township of Warwick.
“The topics were picked based on feedback we received through various discussions with ag leaders and people throughout the ag community,” Stephanie Cattrysse, economic development and communications officer with the Township of Warwick, told Farms.com.
Here are the scheduled speakers and topics:
- Maggie van Camp, a cofounder of Loft32, will make a keynote presentation on helping farmers with succession planning.
- Jonathan Giret, founder and president of Elite Agri Solutions Inc., will discuss funding programs and grant application preparation.
- Diane Bergsma from Three Oaks Cabin will share her family’s story of grief and hope it inspired a respite cabin for farmers.
- A policy update from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture,
Lambton County ranks within the top 10 counties in Ontario based on number of farms.
The region had 2,140 farms as of 2021, and that year agriculture represented Sarnia-Lambton’s second-largest economic sector, generating more than $729 million in total sales.
“It’s great to highlight agriculture is such an important part of our local economy,” Cattrysse said. “And with 40 per cent of Canadian farmers expected to retire over the next decade, these topics are very relevant.”
Farming Forward Event Details
When: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 from 8:00am to 1:30pm.
Where: East Lambton Community Complex – 61 Centennial Ave, Watford.
Cost: 15 per person includes a farm-to-table lunch by Personal Touch Eatery
Registration deadline: Nov. 23