![]() By Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture It’s election time in Ontario, and across the province, candidates have started meeting with voters and sharing their platforms. It’s a great time for all of us to be involved in our democratic process – focusing on the issues that matter and learning what candidates would do about them if elected. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, where I serve as a Vice President, we regularly meet with politicians from all political parties and all levels of government, not just during an election. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that agricultural and rural needs and concerns are put in front of decision-makers. During an election, however, the OFA puts a particular push on engaging with politicians from all parts of the province as they vie for votes on the campaign trail. That’s because agriculture isn’t just a rural issue. As the largest contributor to the Ontario economy, a thriving agriculture sector helps keep communities, making investment in rural and agriculture an investment into food sovereignty and sustainable farm production. Protecting our ability here at home to grow as much of our own food, fuel, fibre and flowers as possible is critically important, especially in the face of trade disruptions, geopolitical upheaval and the impacts of a changing climate on the world’s food-producing regions. To do so, we need strong farming businesses and a competitive, supportive economic and legislative environment that will let them be sustainable and profitable. At OFA, we believe candidates must show leadership in three priority areas to best support food, farming and rural development in Ontario:
Farmland preservation Our farmland is the cornerstone that supports every major aspect of life in Ontario. For Ontario farmers to maintain supply and meet demand for local products, farmland needs to be protected, and urban sprawl contained. Agricultural land is a finite resource, making up less than five per cent of Ontario’s land – when it is lost, it is lost forever. Long-term land use planning must balance encouraging urban and industrial growth with protecting agricultural land to ensure we have the resources available to continue producing food for the future. We are asking candidates to support:
Supporting local food and farming businesses Buying local matters. Studies have shown that if every Ontario household spent an additional $10 a week on local food and farm products, it would generate $2.4 billion annually and create 10,000 new jobs. At the same time, farmers need government policy that supports production, reduces regulatory burdens, improves farm business’ capacity to manage risk from challenges like climate change and market fluctuations, and helps address labour shortages in the sector. We are asking candidates to support:
Investing in rural Ontario’s physical and social infrastructure Infrastructure is an essential part of Ontario’s economy and is critical to attract new businesses and residents. Investments into physical and social infrastructure across the province support distributed economic development and growth of Ontario’s rural hubs – the only practical, long-term solution to ease our transportation and housing crises. This means roads, bridges and proper drainage; affordable, accessible energy; reliable and affordable cellular and highspeed internet coverage; and quality schools and healthcare. We are asking candidates to support:
Local food and farm products, preserving farmland and strong communities affect all Ontarians, whether rural or urban. Regardless of where you live in the province, I encourage you to connect with your local candidates and talk about these issues. It’s important that candidates from all parties and in all ridings are aware of the important role that agriculture plays in our province. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks, Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-994-2578 [email protected]
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![]() By Vanessa Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Strengthening ties between rural municipal leaders and the farm community was on the agenda last week as representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture took part in the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. Rural infrastructure investments, land-use planning, affordable housing and economic development were top-of-mind as issues that are priorities for Ontario’s farmers and rural municipalities alike. OFA has been attending this conference for many years to build relationships with rural leaders and help raise awareness of the issues faced by our sector and how we can work together to find common solutions. After all, Ontario’s agri-food sector is a major driver of the provincial economy, contributing more than $50 billion in economic activity and supporting 871,000 jobs – that’s about 11 percent of the provincial workforce. I’m part of my family’s farm business in Eastern Ontario, work as a Certified Crop Advisor for a local agricultural business and sit on the OFA’s board as a director. This was my first year participating at ROMA, and it was a wonderful experience to learn more about municipal affairs and the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities. The workshops and panels focused on topics like healthcare, schools and transportation infrastructure, all issues that are also important to the farm community. Agriculture, however, was also an important part of discussions, including how municipalities can support and plan for economic development such as agritourism and on-farm agri-food business opportunities. As a first-time participant at the event, I was encouraged by the number of municipal leaders I met who are keen to learn more about agriculture and what they can do to better support the farm businesses in their communities. What also struck me were the strong parallels between municipal priorities and what matters to farmers. Improving rural infrastructure and services such as transportation, affordable energy, and highspeed internet, as well as access to social services such as schools, health care and community centres are vital to attracting and keeping businesses, families and jobs in rural Ontario. Growing our agri-food sector means protecting the agricultural and environmental lands we depend on for local food production while also looking for affordable housing solutions by committing to responsible long-term land-use planning and smart growth in our urban centres. And finally, increasing local food and agritourism opportunities help build economic development, support jobs and contribute to healthy communities. The ROMA conference also saw the announcement of a new Rural Economic Development Strategy by Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson. Some of my fellow OFA board members participated in the consultations and roundtables that led to this new strategy, and the OFA also provided written comments to the process, including priorities around infrastructure investment, farmland preservation, economic and business development, growing the rural workforce, and diversifying rural economies. We appreciate that the government has included many of these priorities in its new strategy. In particular, one of our key asks was for increased funding for the Rural Economic Development program, and it was terrific to see the government announce it will be doubling funding for the program – which is being renamed Rural Ontario Development Program – from $5 million to $10 million a year for the next two years. The government also announced $18 million of new funding for the Agricultural Drainage Infrastructure Program for municipalities which will help keep our farmland productive, and that municipalities are now able to apply for funding for projects related to improving outdated water, wastewater and stormwater facilities. Rural communities and the agri-food sector are strongly inter-connected, and what is good for rural Ontario is good for agriculture. Events like ROMA are a valuable opportunity for us to share our messages. They also, however, give us a better understanding of the municipal perspective and identify new ways of how we can work together towards a common goal of Farms and Food Forever. Additional resources May 2024 – OFA Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the Rural Economic Development Strategy consultation For more information, contact: Lilian Schaer Ontario Federation of Agriculture 226-770-3767 [email protected] ![]() By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture All eyes are on Washington, DC this week as a new president is sworn in, and a new government takes power. The new administration will bring many changes both known and unknown – and a big concern for Canada is the potential for tariffs on Canadian goods, including agriculture and agri-food products, exported to the United States. Canada exports a large part of its agricultural production around the world with approximately 60% of those exports going to the United States. Statistics Canada data shows, for example, that 99.5% of greenhouse vegetables grown in Canada, are exported to the United States; we also export a large part of our beef, pork and canola oil production. Canadian agriculture also sources a significant amount of livestock feed, veterinary products, farm machinery and agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizer and crop protection products from the U.S., making the agri-food-sector tightly connected across our shared border. There are countless benefits that both countries enjoy because of our long history as reliable trading partners across all sectors of the economy, and it’s important for Canada and the United States to maintain an integrated economy that allows goods to flow across the border in both directions without disruption. If our costs on the farm go up, our consumers will feel it at the grocery store. With today’s news that tariffs will not go into effect today, there is an opportunity for all of us, our premiers, our federal government, and our agricultural stakeholders to work to change the course and continue to try to convince President Trump and his administration that this is the wrong approach. We’re all in this together; it’s a Team Canada approach that we need right now. The potential impacts of tariffs can’t be ignored, however, and with implications for farmers across the country, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the federal and provincial governments have been actively working to develop proactive solutions to any possible disruptive actions. I’m the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and we’ve been supporting these efforts since the threat of tariffs was first raised late last fall. Representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the CFA recently attended the Legislative Ag Chairs Summit in Iowa, an annual event that brings together elected officials and government and industry leaders in the agricultural sector from both sides of the border. CFA has also participated in stakeholder roundtables hosted by Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence McAuley, and along with AAFC and OFA, will be participating in the American Farm Bureau Federation convention starting later this week in Texas. All of these meetings are aimed at raising the profile of Canadian agriculture, at strengthening and expanding relationships between farmers and farm organizations in both countries and reinforcing that a tariff war will only have negative consequences for everyone involved on both sides of the border. Farming is already a tough business, with weather extremes like floods, drought and storms, as well as pests and diseases that can impact our crops and livestock a constant threat. Added to that are an increasingly cumbersome regulatory environment, a growing tax burden at all levels of government, and prices paid to farmers for their products that in some sectors are not keeping pace with inflation and rising production costs. All of these are factors beyond the control of farmers that combine to hinder the growth and competitiveness of our sector – which in Ontario contributes more than $50 billion to the economy every year and provides jobs for more than 870,000 people or about 11% of our provincial workforce. This underscores more than ever the need for government to step up and support the agri-food sector. Federally, this means prioritizing food production as an activity of critical national importance. In Ontario, this includes expanding funding for the Risk Management Program and other initiatives that provide a safety net for farm businesses in uncertain times like these. We should be proud of our agricultural industry and its ability to feed not just Canadians but also Americans and others around the world and work together to keep the sector strong in ways that will bring benefit to both sides of the border. For more information, contact: Lilian Schaer Ontario Federation of Agriculture [email protected] or 226-770-3767 ![]() By Paul Maurice, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Another Ontario winter is in full swing and with that comes a wide range of winter sports that take people outside. A popular activity is snowmobiling – and Ontario is home to one of the largest interconnected snowmobiling trail systems anywhere. A network of more than 30,000 km of trails runs across many parts of the province, maintained by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and its members, and gives people the chance to experience our beautiful province from a different point of view. Snowmobiling also makes significant contributions to our winter economy as enthusiasts buy and maintain equipment, rent accommodation and visit local restaurants while out enjoying their hobby. That large network of trails, however, all depends on Ontario farmers and landowners who agree to let their land be part of the snowmobiling system in the province – and that’s where, we as farmers, are urging the snowmobile community to be both responsible and respectful while out on the trails. In short, this means taking proper precautions to stay safe, being prepared and respecting landowner rights by staying on the officially mapped and designated trails. Off-roading or riding outside of the trail network poses challenges to both riders and the first responders who have to rescue them from potentially unsafe situations. I farm with my wife and son in Tiny Township near Penetanguishene, a prime snowmobiling and winter sports area. For many years, I was a volunteer firefighter in our local municipality and as a first responder, I was called out to more than a few snowmobiling accidents – often caused by people whose sense of adventure was stronger than their understanding of risk. There are hidden dangers under the snow, like farm ponds or streams where the ice might not be thick enough to hold the weight of a heavy snow mobile, or farm equipment that is stored outside – both of which can cause unexpected injury. Many farms also harvest sap for maple syrup production, which means there are sap lines running through the bush that can be damaged by trespassing and pose risk of injury to unsuspecting riders. Off-roading can also cause damage to the land and soil under the snow or the plants growing there in the fall that will re-emerge in spring. It’s important for Ontarians to be aware of trespassing rules and their responsibilities around making sure they ask permission before they enter private property or staying on marked, designated trails when out enjoying the winter. To help minimize trespassing, farmers and rural landowners are encouraged to post clearly visible “no trespassing” signs on their property. Here are some recommended tips to help snowmobile trail riders stay safe this winter and minimize problems for landowners:
Stay safe, act responsibly and be respectful of land and nature when you’re out enjoying winter this year. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture We’ve just come through the busy holiday season – and as much as this time is about family, friends and the start of a new year, it is also heavily centered around food. And so much of those special holidays meals are grown or produced right here at home, from meat, dairy and eggs to fruits, vegetables, grains and more. As a farmer in Binbrook, I take great pride in growing crops, raising beautiful horses and producing high quality milk and beef. I’m also president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and we know how important local food is to farmers and consumers alike. There are many activities, processes and resources that go into producing food, all of which are important. However, none of it would matter if we didn’t have the rich soils and fertile farmland that are the basis of our food production system. That’s where we are lucky in Ontario and in Canada: we are blessed with some of the world’s best farmland that lets us grow and raise almost anything – both for ourselves here at home and for people around the world. However, it’s a precious resource that is under threat. The numbers show us that we’re losing farmland at an alarming rate and it’s a trend that we strongly believe can not continue. We know Ontario needs land for housing, for job creation and economic growth, and for renewable energy to meet electrification and decarbonization targets. We also know that we can not lose our ability to produce food, particularly in the face of climate change affecting all corners of the globe. That’s why at OFA, we’ve long been champions of farmland preservation, advocating strongly with all levels of government for balanced and responsible planning. Through our Home Grown campaign, we also work directly with Ontarians to raise awareness about how critically important farmland is to our society, our economy and our ability to feed ourselves. It’s not just an issue in Ontario through. Late last fall, alongside farm leaders from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Quebec, I had the opportunity to participate in a national panel discussion about the loss of farmland and the resulting pressures facing agriculture. It quickly became clear that although there are regional differences, most farmers and municipalities are facing similar challenges right across Canada. Ontario, Quebec and BC in particular are struggling with urban pressures and the high cost of farmland, as well as the use of land for purposes and infrastructure other than food production. BC has also had to deal with extraordinary weather-related disasters in recent years from deadly heatwaves and devastating flooding that damaged farms and critical transportation infrastructure to an extreme deep freeze this past winter that wiped out entire tree fruit orchards. Nova Scotia is also dealing with urbanization, as well as loss of its agricultural supports and services, from feed mills and vet clinics to processing facilities as the number of farms and farmers dwindles. Even in land-rich Saskatchewan, where farms are larger and the population is more spread out, there are concerns about the future of farming and food production, including succession planning, land affordability and how the next generation of farmers can enter the industry. Despite the differing perspectives and experiences, all panelists shared a common goal: ensuring that agri-food is top of mind when governments are making decisions and that legislators consider the potential short- and long-term impacts on food production when setting their policies. We need homes, jobs and energy and we need a secure, homegrown food supply – but it doesn’t need to be an either-or situation. Ensuring all voices are at the table will help strike a workable balance to keep Ontario’s economy and food supply strong and growing. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Mark Reusser, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture It’s been almost five years since the first reports of a mysterious new illness affecting humans began circulating in the media. Those were the early days of COVID-19 and although the pandemic is now over, its impacts on everything from the economy to physical and mental health continue to be felt. Collectively, the world learned some important lessons about pandemics and the importance of being prepared. The crisis illustrated, for example, the need to strengthen Canada’s ability to produce its own vaccines and personal protective equipment, and how vitally important strong domestic supply chains are to ensuring Canadians have a steady flow of essential goods. There is a federal bill that is currently at second reading in the Senate that focuses on pandemic preparedness. Bill C-293: An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness was first introduced as a private member’s bill in June 2022 by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, and it is causing deep concern in the farming community because of its potential impacts on livestock agriculture should it become law without amendment. I’m a farmer in Waterloo Region and in addition to being a director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), I’m also the OFA’s representative on the board of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). While the OFA has been following this legislation since it was first introduced, it’s the CFA that has been leading the response of the farming community to this bill, including meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators to outline our concerns. Let me be clear: farmers are not opposed to pandemic preparedness. In fact, farmers are always on alert for diseases in our herds, flocks and crops. We take disease prevention seriously in all segments of our sector, from poultry and pigs to field and horticulture crops, through very specific practices we follow called biosecurity. The concern with the bill stems from some of the sections proposing to regulate animal agriculture and phase out so-called high risk species, as well as promoting alternative proteins and suggesting antimicrobial resistance is solely a problem caused by livestock farming. A section of the bill, for example, includes language promoting the production and use of alternative proteins, the regulation of “industrial” animal agriculture and the phasing out of high risk species, and the reduction of risks posed by antimicrobial resistance. First of all, there are no definitions attached to such broad and generalized terms, which could easily be interpreted or used to lead to over-regulation or elimination of livestock farming. It also suggests that livestock farming in Canada has been the cause of pandemics, which is not the case. Animal-based proteins like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy are recognized as high quality protein sources that provide essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the human diet, and there is no evidence that they cause pandemics – nor that promoting proteins from alternative sources would reduce pandemic risk. Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern for human and animal health, and we should be taking the One Health approach to addressing it. One Health recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment and that effective solutions will focus on all three areas. Antimicrobials play an important role in animal and human health, and overuse and misuse are a problem in both people and animals. For the livestock industry, antimicrobial stewardship has become a priority and we’ve taken significant steps in the past decade to dramatically lower use and ensure that when we do have to use these products, we do it in a more targeted and effective way. To avoid unintended consequences for livestock farmers, we’ve been asking for removal of the section that promotes the production and use of alternative proteins, the regulation of animal agriculture, and the phase-out of high-risk species. Along with this, the legislation should be amended to encourage continued support of existing animal health protection and antimicrobial reduction initiatives. As farmers and food producers, we’ve long been proactive on keeping livestock healthy and following a balanced, One Health approach will help us continue to produce food for people here at home and around the world. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Ethan Wallace, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Two federal bills received Royal Assent in November that will make it easier for consumers to fix and service the products they use on a daily basis. That includes phones and fridges and even tractors. That’s welcome news for farmers, who’ve long been frustrated with right-to-repair and interoperability and for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, which has been an active advocate for change on this issue. Farmers often rely on specialized equipment to get their work done, from planting and harvesting crops to milking cows and feeding pigs. However, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in Canada have tightly controlled access to the technology in their products. This includes repair codes, diagnostic tools, and service manuals. Without legislation to protect repair rights, farmers who attempt repairs—whether by themselves or through independent technicians—risk violating Canada’s Copyright Act if they bypass a password or digital lock. As more farm equipment incorporates digital systems, this problem grows each year. By contrast, the automotive industry in Canada has had right-to-repair laws for decades. Independent mechanics can access the same repair manuals and software as dealerships. Farmers, and farm organizations like the OFA and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture have been pushing for similar rights for farm equipment. I’m a farmer and through my role as a board director and Vice President with OFA, I’ve been involved in our organization’s advocacy on this issue. We’ve been asking government for legislation that lets people make repairs, run diagnostics and conduct maintenance. Imagine you’re in the middle of grain harvest, and a minor issue like a faulty fuel sensor brings your combine to a halt. Often times, we cannot afford to wait for dealership technicians who may be booked for days or weeks out. We need a quick, affordable solution to minimize downtime while labour is available, and the weather cooperates. OEM-approved tools, replacement parts and repair manuals need to be available for Canadian electronic and farm equipment aftermarkets. Being able to do in-field repairs ourselves or calling an independent technician can minimize costly downtime and avoid a lengthy trip to the dealership. We need assurance that equipment repairs done by our local farm equipment dealers or mechanic shops do not violate any warranties. At the same time, we understand that OEMs need to protect their intellectual property, and that safeguards need to be in place to prevent the modification of software in ways that would circumvent the original design and function of the equipment. So, we’ve always supported a framework that allows for decoding of digital locks for diagnosis, repair and maintenance. Interoperability is also big issue on the farm, especially for those of us with existing farm equipment or who buy used equipment. What this does is ensure that if I have a tractor or a combine of a specific brand, I can buy a piece of equipment or an equipment accessory from a different brand and they will be compatible with each other. This has been a big part of our advocacy, and we are pleased to see that this has been addressed in the new legislation. That’s why the passing of both Bill C-244 and Bill C-294 by the federal government is welcome news for farmers. Now that the bills have both received Royal Assent, work is underway to draft the regulations that will support them. As the OFA, we appreciate the willingness of the federal government and the Senate to listen to farmers and farm organizations and to address this critical gap for farmers. By striking a balance between affordability and accessibility for farmers and profitability for manufacturers, these changes ensure we can make critical repairs quickly and as cost effectively as possible, as well as be able to access a broader range of compatible equipment to use on the farm. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Paul Maurice, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Concerns and challenges around Ontario’s energy supply remain a top-of-mind issue with Ontario’s farmers as we gathered in Toronto last week for the annual general meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Dealing with rising energy costs was first identified by OFA members as the second biggest priority for farm businesses behind reducing farm tax burdens in the OFA Farm Business Confidence Survey released earlier this year. When asked to identify the biggest energy issue limiting their business’ growth or efficiency during a live poll at the meeting, just under half selected affordability, followed by approximately 30 per cent who pointed to lack of infrastructure, such as access to three-phase power or natural gas as their biggest limiting factor. This is an issue that’s important to the future of economic prosperity in Ontario. That’s because Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes more than $50 billion to the province’s economy annually, as well as supporting more than 870,000 jobs or employing about 11 per cent of the province’s work force. On our farms, energy is one of the most significant operating expenses, and the demand for clean, reliable and affordable energy in Ontario, across Canada and indeed around the world is on the rise. When we look at the magnitude of the how much power we will need by 2050, it becomes clearer than ever that planning for our future energy needs requires a thoughtful, long-term approach that also respects other key parameters like the environment and our ability to produce food. My family and I farm near Penetanguishene, and in addition to being a member of the OFA’s provincial board of directors, I was also just elected to the organization’s Executive Committee. I’m also the Chair of the Energy Committee, and in that role, I’ve been part of meetings with Minister of Energy and Electrification Steven Lecce and representatives from his ministry to share our concerns around the importance of balancing Ontario’s energy and food security needs. It was therefore re-assuring to me when earlier this fall, Minister Lecce announced the introduction of agricultural impact assessments as part of the province’s new energy procurement framework. Associate Energy Minister Sam Oosterhoff spoke to our delegates last week on behalf of Minister Lecce and he re-iterated their ministry’s commitment to minimizing the impact of energy expansion on Ontario farmland and the need to take a balanced approach to energy planning. Our annual conference last week also featured a panel of energy industry leaders who shared their perspectives on the diversity of the energy sector and how farms, in addition to needing energy, can also play a role in creating energy for Ontario. Renewable energy from on-farm wind or solar installations can contribute energy to the provincial grid, noted a representative from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. The Canadian Biogas Association highlighted the opportunities in generating biogas and renewable natural gas from recycling organic waste materials. At the same time, the industry expects more conventional energy sources like natural gas and propane to continue to play a significant role in our energy mix. The key, stressed by all speakers, was the importance of working together to strike a balanced, mixed approach to meeting energy needs. That’s why OFA appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Electrification and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to make protection of our food supply a key part of the long-term planning around energy infrastructure. It also underscores how important it is that OFA continues to work with both government and the energy sector to ensure agriculture’s voice is represented and encourage collaborative approaches to planning that will support energy needs, food security and economic growth. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture It’s been a year since I was chosen to lead the Ontario Federation of Agriculture as its president, and as we prepare for our annual general meeting next week, it’s a good time to reflect on what’s been a busy 12 months in this new role. Advocating for Ontario farmers is a business based on relationships and during this first year, my biggest focus and that of our board has been around building and fostering those relationships as we work toward achieving results for farmers. We’ve had some great opportunities this year to build better relationships and encourage a greater understanding of Ontario agriculture with the Premier, provincial cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants, and elected officials of all major political parties. We’ve also built a productive working relationship with the new minister at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and his team, and we’re active locally and nationally on issues that matter to our members. Growing our partnerships, for example, with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and the Association of Ontario Municipalities is bringing broader perspectives to discussions around farmland, energy, railway issues and more. Within our own sector, I’m proud of our efforts to work closely with the leaders of other farm, commodity and agricultural organizations to support each other’s work. We’re also doing more to connect and partner with outside stakeholders who share our goals and interests on issues like natural gas expansion, farmland preservation, and electricity generation. Our relationship-building approach and goal of having productive conversations has led to positive results in several areas. We’ve seen changes in provincial land use policy, continued investments in natural gas and rural high speed internet expansion, and a pause on wetland mapping. It’s also a cornerstone of our work on ongoing issues like taxation, drainage, storm water management, railway crossings, hydro corridors, encouraging greater promotion of local food, wildlife damage, access to veterinarians and more – all issues that our membership has told us are important and need the OFA to take an active part in. Regardless of the specific issue, however, what we really want and need as a sector is to ensure that new regulations or policies are developed through a lens of food production and support rather than hinder farm businesses. We need investments in the agriculture industry that appreciate and support the current economic strength of our sector as well as lay the foundation to realize its growth potential and what that can bring to the provincial economy. Challenging market conditions and rising costs across the industry that are putting pressure on farm profitability are an ongoing concern and we continue to advocate for action that will support the sector. The upcoming election cycles both provincially and federally will provide us with additional opportunities to highlight these challenges and how we can create solutions to support producers across the province. The relationships that we are building are incredibly important as we work to support the industry. OFA cannot do it alone. We need collaboration and the desire for collective approaches across the agricultural sector and between industry and government so we can meet and exceed the targets that have been set out in the growth strategies for agriculture. As a farmer in Binbrook, I take great pride in growing crops, raising beautiful horses and producing high quality milk and beef. As leading farm advocates, our team at OFA is proud of the work we do in many areas and grateful for the support and guidance of our membership. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given to serve as president of this organization and I’m proud to represent Ontario farmers in front of government, with partners and stakeholders and to Ontarians across the province. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson, Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883, ext 236 [email protected] ![]() By Larry Davis, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Farmers from across Ontario will be coming to Toronto at the end of this month to hear updates on key issues affecting agriculture, debate resolutions and network with each other. They’ll be participating in the annual general meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the leading advocate and strongest voice of the province’s farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, public and community outreach and more. The event’s theme is “Always in Season” – a perfect way to describe agriculture in Ontario. That’s because with more than 200 different commodities produced in this province, someone is always busy with planting, growing or harvesting. Just now, many farmers with fruit, vegetable and field crops may be close to wrapping up their harvest, whereas Christmas tree and holiday flower growers are just coming into their busiest six weeks of the year – and greenhouses that grow transplants for next year’s tomato, celery, onion crops will be gearing up for January. The annual meeting is the most important event on the OFA’s annual calendar and a great opportunity to reflect on the year that’s wrapping up and plan for the one ahead. My family and I farm near Burford in southern Ontario, where we raise sheep and grow hay, corn, and soybeans as well as a biomass crop called miscanthus. I’ve represented farmers in Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties as a director on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture board since 1989. That means I’ve attended a lot of OFA annual meetings – and I encourage my fellow farmers, whether they’re members of OFA or not, to consider joining us this year. There aren’t many times during the year that farmers from all parts of the province and all commodities get together at a single event and it’s a great way to get to know new people and learn about the incredible diversity of farming we have in Ontario thanks to our varied climate and geography. This event also attracts many politicians from all political parties who come to both share their perspectives and listen to the concerns and needs of the farming community. Confirmed participants so far this year are Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce, Ontario New Democratic Party Opposition House Leader John Vanthof, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Senator Rob Black. And finally, the AGM is the opportunity for our members to submit and debate resolutions that highlight specific issues from across the province that they wish the OFA to take action on. Although any member can bring a resolution to the OFA board at any point during the year, the convention offers an opportunity for members to discuss those issues before voting on whether or not they should go forward to the board. This year’s event will take place November 26 and 27 at the Delta Toronto Airport Hotel & Convention Centre. In addition to the business of the organization, including Director-at-Large election, presentations on leading issues, resolutions and more, the agenda also features a variety of professional development opportunities. Branding expert and bestselling author Jeremy Miller will present a keynote address where he’ll share stories and ideas about what makes a brand stand out and attract customers – and how farmers can harness the power of branding in support of their businesses. Two interactive panel sessions will bring diverse perspectives to two very important issues facing our sector: how to turn advocacy into action by delivering powerful municipal delegations; and looking at the critical role of energy affordability on the farm. And for our younger farmers, OFA is once again partnering with the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario to offer a tour program for our younger members as well as opportunities to participate in the main conference program. The convention will start with a welcome reception and exhibitor showcase on November 25. The Ontario Harvest Celebration dinner the following night will put the spotlight on our organization’s grassroots members and volunteers as well as some of Ontario’s finest local foods, wines and beer. What I’ve always loved about the OFA annual meeting is that is offers the opportunity to bring people together. It is an organization for all farmers, whether big or small, and of all ages, and by coming together once a year, we can make those connections across Ontario’s farming sector. More information about the OFA annual meeting is available at ofa.on.ca/agm. For more information, contact: Chris Thomson Communications Coordinator, Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 236 [email protected] |
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