January 26, 2021
$1.8 million Base Support Funding will provide eligible agricultural societies with $7,000, and eligible horticultural societies with $1,140 in funding to support their continued delivery of agricultural and horticultural education across Ontario.
$3.2 million Hardship Funding for eligible agricultural societies will provide additional support, which will be based on their reported gate receipts from 2019. This will help off-set operating losses, liabilities, and fixed overhead costs.
Funding is expected to be completed before March 31, 2021.
"The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), is grateful for the support from the Ontario Government," said Vince Brennan, Manager, Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. "Their investment shows the confidence and appreciation the government has for Ontario Agricultural Societies and their impact, especially during these challenging times. This funding will help support our Agricultural Societies and their communities."
"On behalf of the 273 societies/clubs of the Ontario Horticultural Association, we extend our gratitude for your generous financial support," said Katharine Smyth, President, Ontario Horticultural Association. "As you know, the societies/clubs have seen reduced membership numbers and have been unable to raise funds to continue their community involvements. Your consideration and response to their needs during the pandemic, by way of providing them extra finances will go a long way to support them through this crisis."
Agricultural and horticultural societies have played a critical role in educating Ontarians on the importance of agriculture for more than a century. Supporting this sector at this time will ensure the long traditions and economic contributions of the societies will not be lost as the province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19
Quick Facts
The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies is a provincial association representing over 200 agricultural societies from across the province.
The Ontario Horticultural Association is a volunteer charitable organization that encourages interest in gardening and related environmental issues representing nearly 280 horticultural societies from across the province.
Ontario is working to address the economic impacts that COVID-19 has posed to many of the organizations that make up the fabric of our communities, and is now delivering an estimated $13.5 billion in total support for people and job creators as part of Ontario's Economic Action Plan.
Additional Resources
Related Topics Rural and North Information about the province’s Far North and rural communities. Get connected to business improvement organizations and learn more about funding and programs that support rural, northern and Indigenous communities. Learn more
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