Supporting economic diversification and the growth of innovative small and medium-sized businesses in Northwestern

Apr 15, 2019

Government of Canada investment helps the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre expand its presence in Kenora and Rainy River regions.

Kenora, ON — Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario — FedNor - The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) is increasing its level of support to innovators and entrepreneurs in the Kenora and Rainy River districts, including Treaty 3 communities, thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $500,776 through FedNor. The Innovation Centre is a key player in the innovation ecosystem in Northwestern Ontario, helping pioneering companies to start, grow, and succeed. This contribution will enable the organization to meet the growing demand for its services by adding one full-time employee as well as additional advisory services at its newly opened office at the Northwest Business Centre in Kenora.

The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The new staff member in Kenora will provide support and resources to small innovative businesses in the region and contribute to a strengthened regional innovation ecosystem. In addition, the Innovation Centre will offer events, workshops and activities focused on cultivating innovation and technology throughout Kenora, Rainy River and Treaty 3 communities

Source : Government Of Canada

Video: How farmers are protecting the soil and our food security | DW Documentary

For a long time, soil was all but ignored. But for years, the valuable humus layer has been thinning. Farmers in Brandenburg are clearly feeling the effects of this on their sandy fields. Many are now taking steps to prepare their farms for the future.

Years of drought, record rainfall and failed harvests: we are becoming increasingly aware of how sensitively our environment reacts to extreme weather conditions. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake. So is the ability of consumers to afford food.

For a few years now, agriculture that focuses solely on maximum yields has been regarded with increasing skepticism. It is becoming more and more clear just how dependent we are on healthy soils.

Brandenburg is the federal state with the worst soil quality in Germany. The already thin, fertile humus layer has been shrinking for decades. Researchers and farmers who are keen to experiment are combating these developments and looking for solutions. Priority is being given to building up the humus layer, which consists of microorganisms and fungi, as well as springtails, small worms and centipedes.

For Lena and Philipp Adler, two young vegetable farmers, the tiny soil creatures are invaluable helpers. On their three-hectare organic farm, they rely on simple, mechanical weed control, fallow areas where the soil can recover, and diversity. Conventional farmer Mark Dümichen also does everything he can to protect soil life on his land. For years, he has not tilled the soil after the harvest and sows directly into the field. His yields have stabilized since he began to work this way.

Isabella Krause from Regionalwert AG Berlin-Brandenburg is convinced after the experiences of the last hot summers that new crops will thrive on Brandenburg's fields in the long term. She has founded a network of farmers who are promoting the cultivation of chickpeas with support from the scientific community.