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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, February 5, 2015 | 16 Demand for locally-grown food good for Halton farmers by Melanie Hennessey Special to the Beaver Developing products for niche markets could very well be the future of the local agricultural industry, according to experts in the field. The concept, along with the latest innovations in farming and food, was presented at the third annual Halton Region Agricultural Forum last Thursday. The event -- held at Milton's Country Heritage Park -- brought together those interested in the region's agricultural industry, including farmers, politicians and food processors. The evening kicked off with a presentation from Research Director Michael Brownbridge of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, located in Niagara's wine region. He showcased the centre's latest research on growing crops that aren't traditionally planted in Ontario or Canada, like okra, which is popular in many ethnic dishes. With immigration expected to account for 2.2 million new Canadians by 2020, Brownbridge indicated that catering to newcomers' taste Research Director of Horticultural Production Systems at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Michael Brownbridge speaks at the Halton Region Agricultural Forum. Its theme was Innovation can help Boost Productivity, Competitiveness and Drive Economic Growth. The event was held at Milton's Country Heritage Park last week. | photo by Michael Ivanin -- special to the Beaver www.edwardjones.com buds will open new doors for farmers. As the population spends larger amounts on vegetables, he said, "There's a new opportunity here." An increasing demand for locally-grown foods is also going to benefit area farmers, said Brownbridge. "Produce of Ontario resonates with all consumer groups. We can compete with imports based on quality and freshness. We can also beat them on shelf life," he said. "The key for us now is improving production efficiency. We have to get a crop at the end of it that's price-competitive in the marketplace," he said. It's these types of issues that drive research at the centre in Vineland, which is testing new hybrid varieties of okra, noted Brownbridge. The centre is also researching a variety of sweet potato that can grow and survive in Ontario's climate. "Consumption of sweet potatoes has domestically doubled over the past five years. There's huge room for growth to meet this expanding market," he said. see Innovation on p.18 Is your RRSP working hard enough? Marc Nutford - Financial Advisor 2387 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON L6H 6K7, 905-844-4043 marc.nutford@edwardjones.com · www.edwardjones.com Member ­ Canadian Investor Protection Fund January 12th - February 12th Award Winning Italian Cuisine Private Dining · Corporate Functions · Family Events Taste of Clarkson 905 822 5751 www.michaelsbackdoor.com 1715 Lakeshore Road West Since 1967 upholstery & design Buying? Selling? Re-financing? GOLD You deserve to be comfortable · Chairs · Headboards · Bench & Throw Cushions · Sofas · Drapery and hardware 2345 Wyecroft Road, Unit 11, Oakville www.baiers.ca · 905-616-3156 Designer on staff Call me for a quote at 905-845-0767 ext. 222 1276 Cornwall Road, Unit C, Oakville Ontario, L6J 7W5 www.haxelllaw.com · lawyers@haxelllaw.com T: 905-845-0767 · F: 905-845-5552 Personal Professional Service at Competitive Rates