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The
Muskoka Soil and Crops Improvement Association (MSCIA) is a 61 year old
association of Muskoka farmers aimed at supporting local agriculture,
and encouraging best management practices on farms. MSCIA is a member
of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and part of the North Eastern Regional Group within OSCIA.
In
the past, activities of MSCIA have included holding regular meetings
where Muskoka farmers could exchange information, conducting adaptation
trials of improved practices on farmer’s fields, starting up the Farmers’ Markets in Bracebridge and Huntsville, and presenting briefs to the District of Muskoka to strengthen the position of agriculture in the 1988 Muskoka Official Plan.
Our 5 point program outline for future activities of MSCIA. These are :
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Platform for Muskoka Farmers
– through regular meetings, alerting members to opportunities for
funding/ advice/ linkages with other organizations. ( 2-3 meetings a
year were suggested).
-
Environment
– activities to encourage Muskoka farmers to undertake Best Management
Practices, by implementing their Environmental Farm Plans. Includes
collaboration in Healthy Futures Project.
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Protection of Muskoka Agriculture
- Information/action to help farmers to continue to farm in Muskoka,
including the development of a soils map, public awareness about the
benefits from Muskoka Agriculture, and appropriate planning/ protection
for Muskoka Agriculture
-
Market - Linking Muskoka farmers to the
increased demand for Muskoka Farm Fresh Products, and letting consumers
know what Muskoka farmers have available on their farms.
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Research and Development – This includes adaptive on farm trials required for new technology and practices.
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Labor - Many Muskoka farmers report problems in finding farm labor during their busy periods. Schemes for subsidizing labour costs/ labour exchange etc will be explored.
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