FarmStart

Date: Wednesday, November 28th
Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto

Ethnic Market Demand and Developments: Opportunities for Local Supply

The second day of the conference took place in Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto. The focus of the day was on the consumer demand and infrastructure needed to facilitate the development of local ethno-cultural markets. Topics ranged from production challenges, to new markets, community development, food business partnerships, and developing the means to distribute, store and process new crops.

The Toronto Regional Conservation Authority generously hosted the day at Black Creek. The morning opened with a welcome by Brian Denney, TRCA’s Chief Administrative Officer, leading into the keynote address by Bill Sciarappa. The morning and afternoon panels prompted much discussion and debate among the large audience of activists, academics, and agriculturalists in the room.

Keynote Address: Potential and Promise in Ethno-cultural Markets

Dr. William J. Sciarappa, Associate Professor, Rutgers University
Bio | Presentation

Morning Panel: Ethnic Market Opportunities in Ontario

A Producer Perspective: Growing for Ethno-cultural markets
Ted Eng, Organic Producer and Ward Two Councillor for Uxbridge Township
Bio | Presentation

Halal Markets in North America
Ehsan Sairally, Halal Coordinator, ISNA Canada
Bio | Presentation

MIAG’s Involvements in Ethnic Healthy Food Activities
Huda Abbas, Executive Director, Multicultural Inter Agency Group of Peel
Bio | Presentation

Building relationships with food businesses: the challenges of local supply
Preena Chauhan , Business Owner, Arvindas
Bio | Presentation

Afternoon Panel: Building the Foundation for a Growing Market

Trials and Opportunities in specialty crops: OMAFRA field work and outreach
Mike Columbus, New and Specialty Crops Advisor, OMAFRA
Bio | Presentation

Building the Foundation for a Growing Ethnic Market
Elbert van Donkersgoed, Executive Director, GTA Agricultural Action Committee
Bio | Presentation

Creating an Infrastructure to Enhance Ethnic Food Processing and New Crop Production
Michael Wolfson, Food and Beverage Sector Specialist, City of Toronto Economic Development
Bio | Presentation

A special thanks to Toronto Region Conservation Authority, including Garry, Brian, Sonia, Melanie and Linda for all the work and support they contributed to the day.

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