As the pandemic continues, the province is putting up additional funding to help support agricultural and horticultural societies impacted by COVID-19.
This funding will help offset membership and revenue losses so they can continue to meet their immediate financial needs and work towards planning future events.
“The effort our local agricultural societies put into these events make them an unwavering staple in our community,” Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton says. “I’ve been going to fall fairs, like the Ilderton, Forest, and Glencoe Fall Fair, with my family for years. Our investment will ensure that fall fairs and can continue in the future.”
Up to $5,000 is being provided for each eligible agricultural society and up to $1,500 for each eligible horticultural society.
Until now, the grant program required societies to operate their fairs, events and activities in order to qualify for funding. But as a precaution against further spread of COVID-19, this new, one-time payment means societies can receive funding without having to hold their traditional events.