Durham College signs agreement with WindReach Farm Posted on September 17, 2014 at 8:47 am. Partnership enhancing education programming for horticulture students while raising awareness of local food movement Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) and WindReach Farm (WindReach) today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will see them work together to provide students with opportunities to work directly in the fields at WindReach, allowing them to develop their food production skills via the planting of crops to be harvested for use at the college’s Centre for Food (CFF). In addition, the MOU will see both institutions work collaboratively on the development and delivery of educational curricula for students enrolled in the college’s Horticulture – Food and Farming program, housed under the School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET); the expansion of WindReach’s current educational programs; and the enhancement of community awareness and interactions for both organizations through the agricultural development of an acre of the WindReach Farm property for food planting purposes. This includes a strong focus on the local food movement through the planting and growing of beets, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, sunflowers, Swiss chard, fennel and more that has been underway at the farm since May. Once harvested, the produce is being used at the college’s CFF and Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired green-certified restaurant housed at the CFF. The new building, which opened to students in fall 2013, is supported by ambassador and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy and focused on the field-to-fork concept, which is based on the harvesting, storage, processing, packaging, sale and consumption of food – in particular the production of local food for local consumers. As part of the agreement, WindReach is providing professional expertise, in-field growing space and access to field equipment, facilities and storage with the college providing faculty and lab field technologist expertise to support the program and guide students through the planting process. “Our agreement with WindReach is providing Durham College students with the chance to develop their food production skills in a safe and inspiring environment, enhancing their learning and supporting the vision and values of both WindReach and Durham College,” said Susan Todd, dean of SET. “This opportunity for our students to gain hands-on training in a wide variety of areas related to plant propagation and fruit and vegetable production is a true reflection of the college’s commitment to bring field-to-fork to Durham Region while offering the best possible learning opportunities to our students. “This agreement with Durham College is a stellar example of both organizations’ commitment to true partnership and collaboration. In addition to the meaningful and relevant training the students are receiving while here, they are also able to see the importance of community agencies and supporting the work they do,” said Kate Bird, chief executive officer of WindReach Farm. “In addition, the more than 20,000 visitors who attend the farm each year will be able to learn about the most current trends and research when it comes to agri-food education; especially at a time when the appetite for local and healthy food is at an all-time high. We are delighted to be working with Durham College on this project and are looking forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.” As part of its commitment to field-to-fork, the college also recently launched Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community, a crowdfunding campaign to support the landscaping required at the CFF including the planting of trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables and arboretum; the purchase of garden tools; a walking path; new soil; and more. For more information on the Horticulture – Food and Farming program please visit www.durhamcollege.ca and for information on the CFF and Bistro ’67, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/CFF or www.bistro67.ca. -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2013, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 10,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus was recently completed when the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food opened on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, it also features Bistro ’67, a new, 70-seat, full-service, green-certified teaching and learning restaurant and Pantry, a new retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary programs. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. About WindReach Farm WindReach Farm is the result of Sandy Mitchell’s lifelong interest in working outside on the land. Born with cerebral palsy, Sandy has been able to integrate his personal passion with providing a similar opportunity for other persons with disabilities. A registered charity, WindReach Farm officially opened its doors on June 16, 1989. Specially designed to meet the needs of individuals with a variety of disabilities, the farm includes fully wheelchair accessible pathways, trails, buildings, barns and stables. Offering five core programs, WindReach welcomes members from both the special needs and able-bodied communities. Media contact:Durham CollegeCosette Kazarian Communications and Marketing 905.721.2000 ext. 3611E: cosette.kazarian@durhamcollege.ca WindReach FarmKate BirdChief executive officer905.655.5827 ext. 228E: kate.bird@windreachfarm.org SHARE:
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