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A14 - The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Workshop for farmers coming up Dec. 6 While local farmers already know how to grow crops, they can also leam how to grow opportunities at a work- shop slated for December 6. The one-day conference, entitled Growing Your Opportunities - Farm and Food', will be hosted by the Halton and Peel Federations of Agriculture at the Brampton Fair Grounds. It'll provide farmers and related stakeholders with a chance to investi- gate emerging trends in the agriculture and food industry. They'll also be able to explore new marketing ideas and strategies to adapt to changing agricul- tural and consumer markets. "Providing producers with access to innovative ideas and solid business planning expertise is the goal of this day-long conference," said Ontario Federation of Agriculture representa- tive Henry Swierenga. The workshop's speakers and net- working opportunities will provide practical approaches to help farmers address challenges unique to their farm operation so they can make the neces- sary steps to move forward in today's competitive marketplace. Last year, eight similar conferences were held across the province, receiv- ing an overall satisfaction rating of 96 per cent. In addition to the Halton and Peel Federations of Agriculture, the Town of Caledon, Halton Region, Greater Toronto Agriculture and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are partnering to host the event. Registration costs $20 and includes lunch. To sign up contact Halton Region Federation of Agriculture co- ordinator Nancy Comber at (905) 878- 4955. 'Belonging' meets on the last Mon. of every month • from GROUP on page A10 really where I came from. If 1 have my mom's nose or her smile, or my dad's eyes," she said. When Karen turns 18 she will try to take the necessary steps in contacting her birth mother. McDonald said rejection is the main issue that expands into other problems. "The bottom line is rejection. And when they feel rejected, it cornes out in that they're not going to attach. It comes out in different types of behaviour, or different kind of disorders, or dysfunction. Rejection is the core." With proper knowledge and counseling these children can have great lives, said McDonald. McDonald's goal is to bring awareness to the commu- nity to let them know that they're not alone, that theres support. I really want to get the knowledge out there in the community that there is support, if you've been touched by adoption in any way," said McDonald. Two other couples, Esperanza and Brad Peacock and Sonja and Richard Spikman, came on board and became partners with McDonald when she decided to form the support group. The group meets on the last Monday of every month, and had its first meeting in January. The group took a break from May to August and resumed again in September. Meetings include a guest speaker and a mini review of a book on adoption. The support sessions are held at Compass Point Bible Church, 2501 Eaglesfield Dr., in Oakville from 7:15 to 9 p. m. Further information can be found at www.adopton- tario.ca where theres a link to the support group.