By Crispin Colvin, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act came into effect January 1, 2020. This new statute replaces the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and brings with it an updated, more uniform approach to delivering animal welfare enforcement in Ontario.
The PAWS Act implements a provincially-funded animal welfare enforcement model, designed to protect animals from abuse and neglect, and creates uniformity across the province. The legislation introduces a new enforcement system for Ontario, headed by the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector, and includes trained animal welfare inspectors employed by the province. As a publicly funded animal welfare enforcement model, this revamped system provides for increased accountability, transparency and oversight by the government.
Last year, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) worked closely with provincial livestock and poultry organizations and the government to develop this new animal protection model. Agricultural and government representatives collaborated together to create the PAWS Act, which will keep farmers and our entire industry accountable and responsible for the care and protection of animals in Ontario.
As farmers, we welcome this legislation to protect animals with stiff penalties and zero tolerance for animal abuse and neglect. We care about the health, safety, welfare and comfort of our animals and follow established national codes of practice for their care and handling. OFA, along with our members and industry partners, applauds the new PAWS Act which aligns with our standards of care for animals and welcomes an enforcement system that includes specially trained inspectors, strict penalties, and increased accountability and transparency.
The new legislation sets the strongest penalties in Canada for anyone who violates animal welfare laws. In addition to being subject to a code of conduct, inspectors will receive new and specialized training, including training in zoos, aquariums, livestock and equine care and handling. We look forward to specialized training for Crown prosecutors to aid in prosecutions for those accused of abusing animals. The model also provides a 24-hour call centre for reporting suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect, 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
The PAWS Act is good news for all Ontarians. Our farmers who are proud of the care they provide their animals. Our agri-food industry partners who rely on our high standards of care as part of a safe value-chain. The government as a welcome partner in developing and enforcing the legislation. And the general public, who can be assured that our farm animals are safe, healthy and well cared for.
For more information, contact:
Crispin Colvin
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-868-7317
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

by Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario’s agri-food industry is a powerhouse for the province and we’ve got room to grow – that’s the message the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) took to the halls and offices of Queen’s Park on December 9, 2019.
OFA, together with the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) and Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) presented the state of the agri-food industry in Ontario. This presentation was delivered both to media in attendance and broadcasted throughout Queen’s Park. The overview set the stage for one-on-one meetings with OFA directors, representatives and MPPs to discuss the needs and opportunities for the agri-food sector.
The overview included key economic indicators. From farm-level production to value-added food processing, Ontario’s agri-food industry supports $8.1 billion in annual wages and salaries. We also generate more than 837,000 jobs for Ontarians and contribute more than $47 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP.
For those of us on the ground, it’s been a tough year in the agri-food industry – there have been market disruptions, trade issues, weather and labour disputes. Despite the challenges of the 2019 season, OFA highlighted ongoing progress on select agricultural files that the provincial government has taken action on this year – we’ve seen progress in red tape reduction, natural gas expansion and broadband across the province, and more recently the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act. These are all long-standing issues OFA has been addressing with government, and while there’s still plenty of work to do to finalize details and deliver on promises made, OFA is encouraged by the progress made this year.
We also have four key priorities for 2020 that need focus from the provincial government. These aren’t new priorities, but like many other issues OFA advocates for, we’ll continue bringing them to the table until the needs of our members are met. OFA’s priorities for the provincial government include: the continued call for natural gas across Ontario, reliable high-speed internet access for rural and northern communities, support for a strong rural school network, and the need for investments to support better infrastructure such as roads and bridges throughout rural Ontario.
Open and ongoing dialogue with the provincial government, staff and policymakers is important to OFA as we look ahead to 2020. It’s another reason our organization travels to Queen’s Park regularly to host events and meetings like these. It’s our job to speak on behalf of our 38,000 farm business members. We bring your issues and concerns to elected officials and ensure Ontario’s agri-food industry – our strength and our numbers – remain strong and top of mind with government. OFA’s December Queen’s Park event was a success, with positive, productive conversations and agreements to continue the dialogue.
For more information, contact:
Peggy Brekveld
Vice President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
807-707-2814
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

By  Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
November 21st 2019

When CN Rail workers went on strike on November 19, they put the Canadian agriculture sector in jeopardy. CN is Canada’s biggest rail network and the strike of more than 3,000 workers is already impacting the agricultural sector. Canadian farmers are in the middle of one of the toughest harvest seasons and with early winter weather already hitting much of the country, farmers are now contending with issues related to the availability of propane for grain farms and livestock and poultry operations. If the strike is prolonged, the lack of available resources has the potential to create a dire situation for many farmers across Canada.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) urges industry, federal officials and agricultural organizations to work together to ensure the government understands the widespread impact this rail strike has on the entire agricultural value chain, especially during the harvest season.
Grain farmers in Ontario depend on shipments of propane to dry down corn and soybean crops, even more so this year in an unseasonably wet growing and harvest season. Without available propane, farmers may have no choice but to leave crops in the field, and their profit prospects along with it.
The impact of the strike will also hit other sectors of the agricultural industry. Not only will it have a negative financial impact on farmers, but it also has the potential to affect the health and welfare of our animals. Livestock and poultry operations depend on the delivery of propane to heat their barns. Without this energy source, animal health and welfare becomes a serious risk as the temperature drops and the days get colder and shorter. 
We know the new Liberal federal government is not returning to Parliament Hill until early December. But this issue can’t wait. OFA encourages members who are affected by the rail strike, to reach out to their local MP to voice their concern and encourage a fast, effective resolution to this situation.
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For more information, contact:


Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
705-441-3362

Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

​By Rejean Pommainville, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Natural gas is the cleanest, most affordable and efficient fossil fuel available in Ontario to heat our homes and use in commercial and industrial processes. Renewable natural gas offers an even better option for a more environmentally sustainable source of energy for the province, and agricultural byproducts can help fuel this cleaner energy.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has been pushing for expanding the infrastructure needed to deliver natural gas to all corners of the province. When you consider that only 20% of rural Ontario has access to this affordable energy source compared to 88% of urban areas, we are past due for the pipeline infrastructure that will bring energy to our homes and farm businesses.
While natural gas is technically a greenhouse gas, it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, emitting lower levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Natural gas burns similar to propane, and while propane has a “green” fuel label, both energy sources have little impact on the environment and are considered eco-friendly.
There is another opportunity to expanding natural gas infrastructure across Ontario – in addition to making an affordable energy input available to farms and rural businesses. The pipeline assets required for natural gas bring the option of carrying renewable natural gas energy in the future. Renewable natural gas is biogas or biomethane that’s generated from municipal organic waste, farm waste and biomass. And that means agriculture can have a key role in providing cleaner energy across Ontario.
The Access to Natural Gas Act will help extend natural gas pipeline to rural and northern regions of the province. Money collected from a new $1 monthly charge to gas bills is helping to fund expansion that has been unaffordable to date. And the new act is ensuring the most number of customers at the lowest cost will be in line for new natural gas projects.
OFA continues to keep close tabs on the progress of natural gas expansion in rural Ontario to ensure our farm businesses and local communities can operate in a competitive environment with affordable energy options.
For more information, contact:
Rejean Pommainville
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
613-793-2849
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

By Pat Jilesen, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Greater access to natural gas has significant implications for Ontario farmers, and is an infrastructure priority for our province. We know it’s a more affordable option. It will dramatically boost business opportunities by significantly lowering energy costs for farms and rural communities. In fact, it’s estimated that the energy savings for Ontario’s farm sector alone would be up to $200 million every year.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has advocated for the need for natural gas across the province, including rural and northern regions, for many years. And there have been announcements by the provincial government that are promising for agriculture and our rural communities.
Energy is one of the largest costs for rural homes, farms and small businesses. If natural gas was available across the province, it would free up $1.1 billion in annual energy savings for an estimated 500,000 residents, farms and business owners. Those energy savings would generate significant direct and indirect economic benefits to communities across Ontario.
The Ontario government has prioritized natural gas access and has reinforced its support for a customer rate subsidy to help expand natural gas infrastructure. Specifically, for privately funded expansion to more small, rural and Indigenous communities using a customer rate subsidy to make natural gas infrastructure expansion more feasible. The Natural Gas Expansion Support Program (NGESP), which was launched this past summer, will help extend natural gas and encourage communities to partner with gas distributors to help make that happen.
Since July 1, NGESP began adding a $1 customer charge to residential gas bills in Ontario and will fund natural gas expansion projects. OFA will continue to work with government to ensure a long-term, phased approach to support natural gas expansion across rural and Indigenous communities. We need smart expansion – a concept that combines community expansion opportunities with economic development opportunities. This means that in addition to rural homes, expansion routes must include Ontario farms and local businesses.
Today, 20% of rural Ontario is currently serviced with clean, abundant and affordable natural gas. OFA supports a customer subsidy and  long-term smart expansion plan as a solid start to bring natural gas to every corner of the province.
OFA looks forward to a continued commitment from the government to remove the barriers that are limiting the accessibility of natural gas to rural Ontario. Unlocking new economic opportunities across rural Ontario will bring millions of dollars in new investment freedom to families, businesses and farms across rural communities for generations to come.
For more information, contact:
Pat Jilesen
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-386-1330
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

​Guelph, ON [October 22, 2019] – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) congratulates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his new minority Liberal government. As the largest general farm organization in Canada, OFA looks forward to working with the new government, and returning and newly elected MPs, to continue to strengthen the opportunities for agri-food sector and rural communities in Ontario and across Canada.
 
“When Canadians cast their ballots yesterday and chose a minority government, they sent a signal to politicians about the need for collaboration,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. “In the agriculture industry, we understand the value of working together towards a common goal, and we look to our elected officials to find common ground, especially when it comes to supporting the economic powerhouse that is Canadian agriculture.”
 
OFA looks forward to meeting with MPs across Ontario to advocate for the agriculture sector and rural communities. “Supporting a strong domestic agri-food industry, and investing in the infrastructure needed to ensure safe, affordable, high-quality food makes sense regardless of the political party,” says Currie. “We are confident that government understands the strength of the agri-food sector, and the importance of supporting our continued prosperity.”
 
In the coming weeks and months, OFA will continue to focus on the issues impacting farmers and rural residents with government including trade and access to global markets, the need for a skilled and stable workforce, affordable energy, sound rural infrastructure and reliable internet across the province.
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.
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For more information:
 
Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
keith.currie@ofa.on.ca
 
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
cathy.lennon@ofa.on.ca
 

By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
As the federal government moves forward with plans for an offset system to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, OFA continues to advocate for the positive role agriculture has in addressing climate change. The recent release of the government’s proposed emissions pricing system – that includes the use of carbon offset credits – brings to light the work that OFA has long been focused on to show the positive contributions agriculture makes in reducing greenhouse gases.
In a carbon offset system, carbon credits are generated when a project or action reduces greenhouse gas emissions more than if the project had not occurred. Those credits can be sold to other industries to “offset” their excess greenhouse gas emissions.
In this type of system, it’s critical to identify and recognize the industries or activities that generate carbon credits. Agriculture falls in this camp. That’s why OFA supports the concept of issuing carbon offset credits for farming activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond business-as-usual.
It’s also why the agriculture industry needs to be a key player in developing a simple, efficient offset system that provides financial incentives to farmers. Agriculture represents the largest group of private landowners in the province with a tremendous potential to provide offsets to regulated sectors. But offset credits from the ag sector will take time to plan, develop, execute and verify, and we need realistic timelines with adequate time for farmers to fully participate.
OFA recently provided input to Environment and Climate Change Canada on its discussion paper Carbon Pollution Pricing: Options for a Federal GHG Offset System.
We are requesting that the key elements of an offset system be developed by people who understand the carbon offsets that agriculture can generate. Ontario farmers, and many companies along the agri-food value chain, have long been leaders in looking for new technologies and techniques to gain efficiencies on the farm. Many of these initiatives also come with the added benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our industry’s overall impact on the environment.
On-farm stewardship activities have been generating carbon offsets for many years, and any new offset system should be retroactive to include credits for early actions from the agriculture sector.
OFA is confident that a new carbon offset system can provide a necessary bridge for industries to make a cost-effective transition to cleaner activities – and provide new opportunities for agriculture to be recognized for its continued role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
We’ll be working to ensure the federal government’s design of a carbon offset system allows for the greatest participation by Ontario farmers. Please read OFA’s full submission to Environment and Climate Change Canada at ofa.on.ca, click on Resources then Submissions and Correspondence.
For more information, contact:
Drew Spoelstra
Executive Member
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
905-379-5751
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

OFA Commentary: July 18, 2019
By Rejean Pommainville, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

County and regional federation of agriculture meetings are being scheduled for late summer and early fall. These local meetings ‘kick off’ the Ontario farm meeting season in the lead up to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) annual general meeting in November.
With 52 county and regional federations and 38,000 members, OFA is the largest general farm organization in Canada. We’re also the leading provincial advocate for farm families and our rural communities.
Here are three reasons why it’s important for OFA members to attend their local federation annual meeting.

1. Learn more about your local federation. Every county or region in Ontario faces their own set of unique opportunities and challenges in farming and our rural communities. Attending your local annual meeting offers every member a chance to understand how your local federation and OFA is supporting and advocating for farm businesses in your area. And it’s a great chance to meet fellow members and local federation leaders.
   
   
   
2. Vote for local leadership and representation. Elections for OFA convention delegates and Policy Advisory Council (PAC) members will happen at each regional annual meeting. These are opportunities for members to get involved in OFA’s work at a provincial level, represent your area of the province and bring concerns or suggestions to provincial discussions.
   
   
   
3. Get involved. Attending your federation annual meeting is your chance to speak to issues of concern and send a resolution to the OFA’s annual general meeting to request OFA’s support and action.

OFA supports our members and addresses a variety of regional, provincial and national issues that impact the business of farming and rural communities. OFA’s top priorities for 2019 include access to affordable energy in the form of natural gas, reliable high-speed internet for rural and northern Ontario communities, a stable rural school network, better rural infrastructure for roads and bridges, nutrient loss in provincial waterways and the Great Lakes, and reducing red tape for everyone in our agri-food sector.
Get involved in your local federation of agriculture to support your community and fellow farmers. I encourage all OFA members to attend their local annual meeting. Visit ofa.on.ca for a full schedule of 2019 regional meetings.
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For more information, contact:



Rejean Pommainville
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
613-793-2849

​GUELPH, ON [July 2, 2019] – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is excited to announce that Cathy Lennon has been hired as its new general manager. Cathy will take over the reins as general manager of OFA, following the retirement of Neil Currie on August 30, 2019. A long-time agricultural leader and advocate for the sector, Lennon brings more than 20 years of experience to lead Ontario’s largest general farm organization.
A Perth County native, Cathy’s agricultural career began with the Agricultural Adaptation Council. She served as general manager of Ontario Sheep Farmers, leading the organization through upheaval and trade disputes related to the BSE crisis. She was a program manager with Agricorp, and senior lender with Farm Credit Canada working across all agricultural sectors and commodities. Most recently, Cathy was general manager of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers.
“It’s an exciting new era for OFA as we welcome Cathy into the organization,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. “Agriculture has big opportunities and no end of challenges, and Cathy’s experience in so many facets of the agricultural sector will be a tremendous asset for the entire OFA organization.”
Cathy graduated from the University of Waterloo with a BA in political science, and is a Class 9 Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) grad. Over the last two decades, her professional career has centred around working for farmers to make a positive difference in their lives and their farm businesses. Cathy and her daughter live in Rockwood, Ontario.
“OFA is grateful to the long-term leadership of retiring general manager Neil Currie,” says Currie. “He had led our organization through 19 years with significant changes and challenges, and he leaves OFA with a strong team in place for Cathy to step into.”
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.
For more information:
Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
keith.currie@ofa.on.ca

OFA Commentary: May 30, 2019

By Brent Royce, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​
The provincial government recently released a discussion paper – Modernizing Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Program – as they consider changes to the Environmental Assessment Act. The government has asked for public input on the proposed vision for the environmental assessment program based on the discussion paper.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has provided a formal submission with an overriding message – agriculture must be consulted and considered in any public sector project that could impact our farms and businesses.
We support the overall need to review legislation to remove duplication and find efficiencies. But we must also be sure that in the process, we don’t lose sight of the purpose of the legislation. One of the core principles of the environmental assessment process is that it considers all aspects of the environment including natural, social, economic, cultural and build conditions. OFA believes any changes to the Environmental Assessment Act must retain this core principal.
We are concerned about the government’s proposal to exempt “lowest-risk” categories from needing an environmental assessment. The greatest concern with this “exemption” is that some of these projects could have an impact on agricultural lands and businesses. It’s also unclear what activities are considered “low risk”.
That’s why OFA believes that when potential impacts on our agri-food sector and agricultural communities are identified, a higher level of environmental assessment should be required.
Also, any public sector project must include an Agricultural Impact Assessment if the project has the potential to impact agriculture. OFA is pushing for this requirement to be incorporated in the environmental assessment process. We have also recommended to government that any and all Agricultural Impact Assessment consulting teams include an agricultural specialist. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs outlines the qualifications of an agricultural specialist to conduct an Agricultural Impact Assessment.
The involvement of the local agricultural community is also key to conducting a thorough Agricultural Impact Assessment. For example, when the Ministry of Transportation studied provincial highway expansion options between New Hamburg and Sebringville in 2007, the farm community got involved. Farmers identified the location and activities conducted on surrounding farmland connected with their farm businesses. This enabled mapping of not only the farmland impacted but also the associated movement of agricultural inputs, farm machinery and agricultural products.
OFA takes the process of environmental assessments very seriously. Agriculture must be considered, consulted and included in assessments because our farm businesses touch so many aspects of our environment – impacting natural, social, economic and cultural conditions of the environment.
We know how important it is for agriculture’s voice to be included in decisions to amend legislation and regulations. And we are strongly urging the government to include our recommendations for Agricultural Impact Assessments as it makes changes to the Environmental Assessment Act. You can read our full submission at ofa.on.ca – under Resources, click on Submissions and Correspondence.
 
For more information, contact:

Brent Royce
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-291-8279

Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883