Collaborative opportunity becomes reality for two local groups

KAREN YELLOWLEES, Durham Federation of Agriculture Administrative Coordinator

DURHAM: Two active groups in the Durham Region farming community – Durham Farm Fresh & Durham Farm Connections are pleased to welcome Erica Orleini as the new Joint Coordinator for the two groups. The concept of a joint Coordinator has been discussed for some time & it is exciting to see this joint role starting to take shape. Many of the Coordinator’s tasks are applicable to both organizations, so the thinking is that both organizations will benefit from having someone coordinate their dedicated volunteer bases & membership as they continue to support producers & educate the public about Agriculture in Durham Region.

We are pleased to have Erica join Durham Farm Connections & Durham Farm Fresh as the new Coordinator. Erica believes you need to be open-minded regarding food and culture. Her mom instilled in her and her brothers that when it comes to food, "you can't say you don't like something unless you try it." She was raised with an open mind because food is an adventure, and you need to live a little. Erica's interest in food and traditions grew as a child on her grandparent's farm. Where her Nonno grew a massive garden filled with tomatoes, lettuce, beans, garlic, and zucchini, to name a few, and where he raised rabbits, sheep, and chickens. She was taught the importance of growing locally and sustainability at a young age.

Erica attended the Hospitality and Tourism Administration program at Georgian College and wanted to grow in her field. After graduating, she spent 2 years in Banff, Alberta, working in the food and beverage industry. Upon returning to Ontario, she decided she wanted to continue her education. She completed her Master of Arts in Tourism Management at Royal Roads University in 2022.

Erica is now bringing her open-minded, adventurous personality to both Durham Farm Connections & Durham Farm Fresh while also sharing her love and passion for the Hospitality & Tourism industry with her students in her part-time teaching role at Georgian College in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation department.

Erica enjoys exploring local farmers' markets, checking out nature trails, and chasing waterfalls in Ontario in her spare time. She also enjoys taking walks with her dog, Diego, reading a good book, and practicing her golf game.

Erica can be reached at: coordinator@durhamfarmconnections.ca OR coordinator@durhamfarmfresh.ca. She looks forward to working with Durham Farm Connections and Durham Farm Fresh and learning more about agriculture in the Durham Region.

Durham Farm Connections endeavours to connect the community with farm, food & education https://www.durhamfarmconnections.ca. Durham Farm Fresh’s goal is to help local producers and others committed to local food, market their products to our local community https://durhamfarmfresh.ca.