Investing In the Future of Rural Ontario

Oct 13, 2025
By Farms.com

Province funds ROI programs to strengthen rural communities

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has received a significant provincial investment of $1,722,639.50 over three years to support leadership, data, and economic development programs designed to strengthen rural communities across Ontario.

“As rural communities seek innovation and new opportunities to address economic development needs, this funding from the province enables us to expand support for leaders and decision makers with tools and programs that strengthen communities,” said Dan Borowec, ROI Chair

“ROI is fiercely proud of the programs and services it offers to rural Ontarians. With the generous support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business, we are growing our investments in rural communities,” said Ellen Sinclair, ROI Executive Director.

The funding will expand ROI’s leadership programs, including the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP) and the Rural Change Makers youth program, which prepare leaders to shape industries, agriculture, and local economies. It will also strengthen data-driven community planning tools such as the Community Wellbeing Dashboard, Rural Housing Information System, and Fact Sheets.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones said the investment supports future-ready leaders who can guide Ontario’s growing agri-food sector and rural economy.

Leadership Programs Director Gabe Ferguson emphasized the need for advanced training and innovation to build stability in changing economic conditions. ROI’s new Leadership Programs Manager, Peggy Brekveld, added that emerging leaders are already creating enterprises and driving sustainable growth across rural Ontario.

This provincial investment highlights Ontario’s commitment to building strong, informed, and resilient rural communities ready to embrace innovation and opportunity.

Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.