The phrase, “think globally, act locally,” best describes the new website that showcases Chatham-Kent’s agriculture industry.
The site, wegrowfortheworld.com, was officially launched Nov. 5 by members of the Chatham-Kent Agri-Development Committee at McGrail Farm Equipment in Chatham.
Billed as the first agriculture-focused website created by Chatham-Kent, the site has been designed to promote the area’s agricultural sector to the world.
The crisp design features farmers, processors and general agricultural businesses within the municipality.
“We think we have a lot of things to showcase to the world as far as our great growing area for crops, and also the infrastructure that goes with it,” said Mark Delanghe, chairman of the C-K Agri-Development Committee.
The Wallaceburg-area farmer hopes people visiting the site will learn more about the innovative practices taking place here. The ultimate goal is to attract more investment and jobs to the area.
“We live in a very competitive world and there are other agricultural areas doing this as well,” added Delanghe. “So if we don’t step up to the plate and do some of this too, you get missed.”
In addition to the profiles of local businesses, the site also features a map locating processors of farm-related products and a link to the Buy Local Buy Fresh map for Chatham-Kent.
The site also has an agricultural directory, news and information about events.
According to Jamie McGrail, committee vice-chairwoman, the local resources make the website a “one-stop shop” for all things related to agriculture in Chatham-Kent.
“This is to educate the people within Chatham-Kent, and to educate the students, too,” said McGrail. “Give them a taste of what agriculture is and maybe get them interested in that when they’re done school.”
In addition to farm-related jobs such as mechanics and technicians, McGrail said there are many other positions in agricultural businesses, including administration and management.
“There’s a lot of potential. If we can bring in extra agricultural-related businesses to bring those jobs to Chatham-Kent, that would be awesome.”
The website was created with the support of many sponsors, including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the local Community Futures Development Corporation.
