The Ferme d’éducation et de recherche du campus d’Alfred (FERCA) in Alfred, Ontario will receive $121,500 from the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation and MP Francis Drouin to acquire new dairy equipment. This $371,500 project will create two jobs and 11 new partnerships to support innovation in Eastern Ontario's agriculture sector. The funding will allow FERCA to modernize its facilities and equipment for organic dairy production and forage research, providing local farmers access to new technologies.

1. News Release
For Immediate Release
Ferme d’éducation et de recherche du campus d’Alfred Receives Support
March 7th
, 2019
Alfred, Ontario
Ferme d’éducation et de recherche du campus d’Alfred (FERCA) will benefit from an investment announced
today in Alfred, Ontario, by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and
Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell.
The Northumberland CFDC is pleased to support this initiative with an investment of $121,500, made possible
with funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The
total cost of the project, $371,500, has been invested in capital expansion and acquisition. This project will
create two new full-time positions and 11 new partnerships in support of rural innovation in Eastern Ontario.
With a mission to foster education, research and the transfer of technology within Eastern Ontario, FERCA will
invest in the capital acquisition of new dairy equipment. As FERCA specializes in organic dairy production and
forage, this new addition will allow the facility to be a modern and attractive centre for research, training and
technology. This investment will provide Eastern Ontario farmers with a central access point to technological
advances, supporting their overall businesses to increase efficiency and profitability.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is a great example of how innovation is essential to economic growth. These funds will
enable FERCA to expand its operations, create jobs, foster relationships with industry partners and keep the
Alfred dream alive. Agriculture is a vital part of our local economy and I am proud of the work done here at
FERCA.” – Francis Drouin, MP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell
“Northumberland CFDC is pleased to support the momentum of Eastern Ontario innovation, specifically within
the agri-tech sector. This investment provides regional farmers with the invaluable resource of access to
learning and innovative technology, which will drive competition and create opportunity.” – Wendy Curtis,
Executive Director, Northumberland CFDC
“FedDev Ontario support has been a catalyst for community and business development across Eastern Ontario,
and especially in Prescott–Russell. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Government of
Canada so that the Prescott–Russell Community Development Corporation can support projects and businesses
that will grow, create new sustainable employment opportunities and diversify the regional economy.” – Eric
Drouin, Chairperson, Prescott–Russell Community Development Corporation
About Northumberland CFDC
Northumberland CFDC is an independent business development organization focused on supporting innovation
and entrepreneurship as pathways to economic development and diversification. Working in collaboration with
the 14 other CFDCs of Eastern Ontario, Northumberland CFDC delivers programming made possible through
support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for
innovative projects in Eastern Ontario.

2. About FedDev Ontario
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) collaborates with
Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) to promote the growth of new and existing businesses
in rural communities.
On February 27, 2019, over $1 billion was announced for FedDev Ontario to continue driving innovation and
growth in the region over the next six years. Recognizing the vital role smaller and rural communities play in
the region’s economy, FedDev Ontario is dedicating $100 million of this new funding to support projects in
rural communities.
Francis Drouin
MP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell
1.800.990.0490
francis.drouin@parl.gc.ca
Wendy Curtis
Executive Director
Northumberland CFDC
1.866.670.1191
Wendy.Curtis@northumberlandcfdc.ca