John Beardsley's Page

Brian Bell announces retirement as local agricultural development advisor

Spending his whole career working in the agricultural sector has offered a working life that Brian Bell has certainly enjoyed. “My whole career has been spent working with those in the agricultural sector. Absolutely, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” stated Mr. Bell, the local agriculture development advisor, who earlier this week officially retired after 30 years with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “The work has been varied and very much related to the agricultural development in the region.”

Governments coordinate against swine fever

North American agriculture leaders are coordinating plans to keep swine safe from a deadly disease in China and Europe. Dr. Jack Shere, chief veterinary officer and deputy administrator for Veterinary Services in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, delivered a joint statement on behalf of leaders in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that they were responding to the threat of African swine fever with more biosecurity, agreements to minimize damage to trade if the disease reaches North America, and public education about the potential harm from the disease. The statement followed a forum April 30-May 1 in Ottawa, Ontario, attended by representatives from 15 countries.

Canada’s Largest Educational Foodservice Provider Launches the Buy Local Program, with Marketing Support from Foodland Ontario

Chartwells launched their landmark Buy Local program, a coast-to-coast approach to offering quality-assured, fresh, locally-sourced food from community-based, local vendors. The program is available to approximately 650 Chartwells campuses and schools across Canada. Whether it’s a jar of honey or a basket of fresh blueberries, the Buy Local program will create direct connections between Chartwells’ chefs and local farmers and vendors.

Ontario Supporting Forestry Sector in Algoma and Manitoulin Regions

Ontario's government is working for the people by supporting the forestry industry in the Algoma Region and Manitoulin Island, creating 138 full-time jobs.

Ontario Cuts Red Tape, Supports Investment and Job Creation

The Ontario government has announced further actions to help create and protect jobs in the auto sector. In February, the government launched its Driving Prosperity auto plan aimed at addressing challenges in the sector around competitiveness, innovation and talent. The government made it a priority to reduce red tape and restore Ontario's competitive advantage. Today, it is delivering on that promise.