RTO 9 SEe ON Tourism Summit – Vendors Wanted
Calling All Local Makers & Artisans! 
We’re thrilled to invite local producers to take part in the Makers Market at the annual RTO 9 SEe ON Tourism Summit happening in Kingston on November 4 & 5, 2025!
This is your opportunity to showcase your locally made products to over 150 tourism professionals from across Southeastern Ontario.
Choose Your Preferred Day: November 4 or 5
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly The Ambassador), Kingston
Setup: 7:30 AM | Wrap up: ~3:00 PM
What’s Included:
Receive $100 for participating
Display table w/ tablecloth + power if needed
Lunch provided
Access to the day’s sessions
We’re looking for a curated mix of handcrafted, locally made products – whether it’s food, drink, gifts, art, skincare, or anything uniquely Southeastern Ontario!
Interested in joining us for a day? Complete the short intake form to reserve your spot.
Ontario Investing in Agri-Food Research to Help Farmers and Agribusinesses Compete Globally
TORONTO — Ontario is investing over $5.4 million in 28 agri-food projects through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance to help businesses commercialize new, cutting-edge research for Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food industry. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these transformational research projects will lead to new discoveries and innovations that can help businesses grow, create jobs and boost their competitive advantage in the face of economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.
“Our government’s strategic investments into transformative agri-food research is empowering Ontario’s producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we’re ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.”
Today’s $5.4 million investment is part of government’s $40 million investment over six years into the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance’s tier 1 research programming. Examples of projects supported by the Alliance this year include:
- using economic data to help farmers and businesses respond to market changes and explore new trade opportunities
- developing a battery-powered, AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields
- creating healthier beehives using advanced technology to protect honeybee colonies from Varroa mites
- helping farmers lower costs by developing nutrition and production management strategies for pigs
The Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports agri-food research and innovation projects through a competitive process on an annual basis. Today’s investment will help achieve the government’s Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing agri-food innovation and adoption by working closely with our industry partners, agribusinesses and research organizations.
UCFO Supports the Next Generation of Farmers – 2025 Edition of the Entrepreneurship Grant
The Union of Franco-Ontarian Farmers (UCFO) Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Next Generation of Farmers with the Launch of the 2025 Edition of Its Agricultural Entrepreneurship Grant
Staying true to its mission, UCFO will award a $6,000 grant to a Franco-Ontarian farmer whose initiative stands out for its vision, creativity, and transformative potential in the agricultural sector.
This recognition aims to support innovative efforts that are shaping the future of Franco-Ontarian agriculture.
Are you leading a project for change? Or do you know someone actively contributing to the evolution of the agricultural sector? Now is the time to submit a nomination.
📅 Application deadline: September 5, 2025
📞 For any questions:
📧 Adelphine Kabedi – akabedi@ucfo.ca | 📞 613-488-2929, ext. 103
