Agri-Food Business Retention and Expansion

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A row of Holstein cows stick their heads through the bars in a barn

Study Complete

Thank you to everyone who participated in the study. The final report has been prapared and is available below.

Regional partners are studying the area’s agriculture and agri-food sector and need input from local businesses to build regional and local Action Plans. The partnership group includes the County of Simcoe, Grey County, Bruce County, City of Barrie, City of Orillia, Georgian College and local business support agencies.

Agri-Food Study Report Coming Nov. 29

Agri-food sector businesses and area partners are invited to attend the Agri-Food Study reporting session on November 29 in Chesley. Learn about the findings from more than 270 in-depth surveys and interviews with agri-food businesses in Grey, Bruce and Simcoe.

Klages Mill and Gardens

11 1^st Ave. N, Chesley

Thursday, November 29

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

About the study:

We're calling this the The Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Study. We will hold interviews with local businesses to understand the current business climate. Survey results will be analyzed by independent consultants and then used to create Action Plans for the region and each County. These Action Plans will identify opportunities and challenges for this vital business sector and to ensure municipal support meets current and future sector-specific needs.

Who should participate:

We are encouraging local businesses (owners/operators and/or managers) associated with the agriculture and agri-food sector, including farmers, agri-food processors, distributors, nurseries, food retailers, restauranteurs and agri-support businesses (i.e., tractor dealerships or grain elevators) to share input.

How to get involved:

To take part in an interview, or to learn more about the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain Business Retention and Expansion project, please contact Philly Markowitz at philly.markowitz@grey.ca or call 519-372-0219 ext. 6125.

Interviews will be scheduled between February 2018 and August 31, 2018. The Action Plans will only be as strong as the input received. We want to hear from as many businesses as possible.

Local funding for the program is being provided by the County of Simcoe, Grey County, Bruce County, the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, Georgian College, Nottawasaga Futures Community Development Corporation and South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Study?

A BR&E Study is an analysis of the current business climate in an area or sector based on standardized interviews with businesses. The survey results are then compiled and analyzed to look for trends, opportunities, challenges and provide baseline information. The goal is to then use the results of the BR&E to develop Action Plans to address identified opportunities and challenges.

Is this a regional project?

Yes. The County of Simcoe has partnered with Grey County, Bruce County, the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, Georgian College and local business support agencies to undertake this study. These municipalities and organizations have partnered to establish a regional approach to supporting this sector.

Who are we looking to survey?

Participants should be businesses (owners, operators and/or managers) associated with the agriculture and agri-food sector, including farmers, agri-food processors, distributors, nurseries, food retailers, restauranteurs and agri-support businesses (e.g. tractor dealerships or grain elevators).

What does the survey and interview process involve?

It’s easy! Representatives from the partner organizations will travel to survey participants at a date, time and location that is convenience for you. The process will involve an informal Q&A discussion. Survey questions will be provided in advance. We just need your time as interviews may take up to 2-hours.

When are interviews being conducted?

Interviews are being conducted from February 2018 to August 31, 2018.

What will happen with the results?

The data collected will be analyzed by an independent consultant and used to develop Action Plans for the region and each county. The action plan will be presented at various public forums prior to be being finalized.

How is this project being funded?

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in learning more about the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain BR&E Study or participating in the survey process, please contact Philly Markowitz at philly.markowitz@grey.ca or call 519-372-0219 ext. 6125.