Local food fund receives funding
The federal government has launched a new phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund with spending of up to $20 million.
This funding, available over the next two years, is designed to support community-based and not-for-profit organizations in their efforts to create long-term solutions to address food security challenges.
It has been tailored to meet the needs of Indigenous, northern and remote communities by providing funding to help them build a food system that will meet current and future community needs.
Applications for this intake phase can be submitted from June 1 until July 15.
Eligible projects must be infrastructure-specific, community-driven and dedicated to improving access to healthy, nutritious, and local foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity.
Grant funding for projects can range from $100,000 to $500,000 to support larger initiatives that will have a lasting impact in communities.
Program information is available through agriculture.canada.ca/local-food or calling 877-246-4682.
Animal Health Canada names ASF manager
Dr. Rayna Gunvaldsen is the African swine fever national project manager at Animal Health Canada.
Now in its third year, the role provides leadership and support to the African swine fever executive management board and associated activities.
Gunvaldsen’s career in the swine industry has spanned the primary chain from farm to fork: stockperson, herd veterinarian and meat inspector, which sparked her interest in regulatory medicine.
She has worked for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Alberta government in various roles including district veterinarian for Vancouver Island, foreign animal disease veterinarian, and surveillance veterinarian before being appointed chief veterinarian for British Columbia in 2020.
Olds College names its partner of the year
Olds College has named Highfield Investment Group its 2022 Partner of the Year.
The collaboration began in 2009 by supporting student awards and athletics but has expanded to include wetlands research at the college.
Highfield’s investment supports the development of expertise related to monitoring and management of constructed and natural wetlands.
It provides the college with access to Shuttleworth Conservation Park (previously known as High Plains Industrial Park) near Balzac, Alta., including access to the ponds and management team for research and demonstration purposes.
In addition, Highfield Investment Group and the High Plains Lot Owners Association have invested $10,000 to establish the High Plains Lot Owners Awards.
These awards of $1,000 each are directed to support second-year land and water diploma students.
