Workshop & Conference Bursaries

Have a farm-related conference or workshop that you would like to attend, but not sure if you can afford the expense? The NFU New Farm Project is pleased to offer a bursary program for Kingston area farmers that can help cover a significant portion of the cost.

To simplify the process, we pre-approve most of the major off-season conferences and publish the list on this page (see below for last winter’s list). In addition to the pre-approved list, we have expanded the program to cover conferences and workshops that have not been designated. Please contact us to explore this option as these events need to be approved by the NFP Project Committee before the event.

Successful applicants are expected to pay their conference costs up front and will then be reimbursed the value of the bursary (see After the Event below).  You are responsible for your own registration, travel and accommodation arrangements. Please note that  and only approved expenses will be reimbursed – these typically include registration fees, travel and accommodation.

How do I apply?

Due to the limited number of bursaries available for any given conference, you must apply in advance and be selected by the Project Committee. This selection process is based on assessing both the direct relevance of the conference/workshop to your farm operation or future farm plans as well as your genuine need for financial support.

To apply, simply send a brief letter or email to the project coordinator indicating your interest in attending one of the designated conferences and answer the following questions:

• Why is it important to you that you attend this conference/workshop?
• Have you attended this conference/workshop before?
• Which of the following best describes your situation?
  A) I could not attend without this bursary
  B) A bursary would be very helpful in affording the conference costs
  C) A bursary would be appreciated but not necessary

After the Event

The following documents are to be submitted to the NFP coordinator within the two weeks following the event:

• Receipts for approved expenses.
• A receipt for the registration fee of the event must be among the receipts submitted for reimbursement as proof of registration.
• Receipts should be summarized on an accompanying expense Reimbursement Form (PDF).
• Feedback Form (rtf)
• Passing on the Gift Agreement (PDF) To learn more about Passing on the Gift, click here.
  

Upon receipt of the above documents, you will be reimbursed for the value of your approved expenses.

Previously designated conferences and workshops for 2009-2010:

1. Guelph Organic Conference – January 28-31, 2010

2. EFAO Direct Marketing Workshop – February 6, 2010

3. Eastern Ontario Crop Conference – February 18, 2010

4. Crop Planning Workshop for Fruit and Vegetable Growers – February 20, 2010 – Ottawa area

5. Eco-Farm-Day – February 26 & 27, 2010

6. Bring Food Home Conference – March 4, 5 & 6, 2010

7. Holistic Management Courses – Guelph, ON  – Feb/Mar 2010

Downloads:

Passing on the Gift Agreement (PDF)

Feedback Form (rtf)

Reimbursement Form (PDF)