Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan – Final Report October 2014
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Large, relatively flat expanses of land facilitate a variety of animal husbandry operations.
The soil quality is good.87
However, agricultural land in general is an underutilized resource in the Cochrane District.
Furthermore, there is a comparatively short growing season, with a frost-free period ranging from
90-100 days, as compared to areas in southern Ontario with seasons of up to 190 days,88 limited
drainage and infrastructure, and a long distance to market. Further, aging farmers point to the need
for succession planning. Regional groups are leading initiatives to revitalize and expand
agriculture in order to diversify the regional economy and increase food security. Cochrane should
continue to participate in this regional agricultural development initiative and take a leadership
role to foster local agricultural development.
Farming is not just an economic diversification issue, it is part of Cochrane’s community identity.
NeCN’s 2011 report on agriculture in the Northeast notes that “people in the area valued farmland
as part of their cultural landscape… people reminisced about a time when a vibrant agricultural
community existed”.89 The strategic projects that will help grow the agricultural sector in Cochrane
include:
7.2.1 Centralize Resources to Support Improved Acreage Productivity
There are several resources available to Cochrane’s farming community. Creating a common,
centralized resource in the community through the new EDO position will help local agri-food
producers connect to funding and information sources. We suggest two separate tactics to
accomplish this project, each of which is described in further detail:
7.2.1.1 Provide local access to OMAFRA’s Tiling Program.
7.2.1.2 Create a local resource to support agri-food producers.
7.2.1.1 Provide local access to OMAFRA’s Tiling Program through the EDO Office
Tiling improves drainage, crop production, farm efficiency, and other environmental benefits. 90
Tiling cleared land is a common land improvement among Ontario farmers. Corrugated plastic
87
Caldwell, Wayne and Marr, Eric. (2011). Current and Future Opportunities for Agricultural Development in Northeast
Ontario: A Regional Perspective. NeCN Agricultural Report 1 of 2. Available at:
http://www.opportunitiesnortheastontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NeCN_Agriculture_Study_-_Report_1__18_November_2011.pdf
88
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (2014). Climate Zones and Planting Dates for Vegetables in Ontario.
Available at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/climzoneveg.htm
89
Caldwell, Wayne and Marr, Eric. (2011). Current and Future Opportunities for Agricultural Development in Northeast
Ontario: A Regional Perspective. NeCN Agricultural Report 1 of 2. Available at:
http://www.opportunitiesnortheastontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/NeCN_Agriculture_Study_-_Report_1__18_November_2011.pdf
90
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs. (2010). Tile Loan Program Factsheet. Available at:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/07-061.htm
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