Wellington County, Ont. – Wellington County’s Experimental Acres programme has won the prestigious Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Award of Excellence in Rural Economic Development. Announced at the EDCO Conference’s President's Dinner on Thursday, February 6, this award recognizes innovative, collaborative, distinctive achievements in economic development.
Launched as part of the County's dedication to supporting environmentally friendly agriculture, Experimental Acres provides small and medium-sized farms in Wellington County with the opportunity to trial regenerative agriculture practices in a low-risk environment. By offering up to $3,000 in micro-grants, soil testing, and research support, the programme empowers farmers to adopt practices that reduce emissions and enhance long-term farm profitability.
The programme has had several key achievements, supported by Wellington County’s commitment to fostering sustainable farming practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“This prestigious award reflects the hard work and dedication of staff, participating farmers, and our municipal partners,” said Jeff Duncan, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. “Experimental Acres is helping to build a sustainable and prosperous future for farmers—not just in Wellington County, but across Ontario. We’re proud that the programme has successfully expanded into other municipalities, and together, we’re reaffirming our commitment to agricultural and environmental sustainability.”
Wellington County is a leader in agricultural innovation and climate action. With approximately 2,600 farms contributing significantly to Ontario’s agricultural economy, the County is committed to promoting environmental sustainability while driving economic growth and supporting rural communities.
“Receiving this recognition from EDCO is an incredible honour and a milestone for the Experimental Acres programme,” said Jordan Grigg, Agriculture Coordinator at Wellington County. “It’s a testament to the success of our approach, and we are excited to continue supporting our farmers in their journey toward innovation and sustainability. We invite other municipalities to reach out to learn how they might adopt similar initiatives for a greener future.”
For more information on Experimental Acres, please visit www.wellington.ca/experimentalacres.
Media Contact:
Jordan Grigg
Agriculture Coordinator
226.962.8027
jordang@wellington.ca