​By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Weather, climate and trade are all hot topics in Ontario right now. The recent elimination of Ontario’s cap and trade program is leading the news in the province and leaving Ontario farmers with questions.
 
Fulfilling an election promise, Premier Ford has formally scrapped the cap and trade program that was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has supported the concept of a system that would allow farmers to sell offset credits for the greenhouse gas reduction that often occurs when implementing beneficial management practices. Farmers have always prioritized the health of their soils and overall environment, and it was an appealing option to be recognized for these actions by offset payments from other industries and companies emitting greenhouse gases. The end of the cap and trade program in Ontario won’t stop farmers from continually improving their environmental footprint but the incentives and recognition to further drive performance could be lost.
 
OFA is waiting for the full details of Premier Ford’s announcement that deals with the funding available from cap and trade revenues. We are hopeful that funding promised to the agricultural sector through the Climate Change Action Plan will survive. This funding flowing from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account was intended to support soil health initiatives for farmers. Healthy soil is vital to production today and tomorrow, and farmers are working diligently on projects to control phosphorus and improve carbon sequestration by developing new tillage and soil improvement practices. Funding from the Greenhouse Gas Account could have also helped farm businesses retrofit their barns and buildings to conserve energy. Farmers have always been eager adopters of energy conservation initiatives because energy in all its forms is one of the largest input costs in a farm business. We’re hopeful that funding for these types of programs will continue.
 
OFA will also be closely watching the upcoming carbon tax debate to be had with the federal government. Farmers are large consumers of fuel to run machinery and to heat barns and greenhouses. For a farmer to produce a crop and raise livestock, few economical alternatives currently exist to replace fossil fuel energy meaning a tax on carbon is an ineffective deterrent to consumption and only serves to take money out of margins and threaten our food security. If the federal carbon tax is imposed in Ontario because of the demise of the cap and trade system, OFA will seek a complete exemption on all farm fuels from the federal tax. We’ll be watching as Premier Ford challenges the federal government on their proposed carbon tax.
 
These are early days for this issue and many details remain unclear. But OFA has been taking stock of all policies and regulations impacting Ontario farm businesses and we’re ready to get to work with Premier Ford and his government to ensure Ontario’s agriculture and food sector is positively accounted for in any changes to existing programs, including cap and trade.
 
 
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For more information, contact:

Drew Spoelstra
Executive Member
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
905-379-5751

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

​Guelph, ON [June 29, 2018] – With the announcement of Doug Ford’s new provincial cabinet today, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is anxious to get down to work with all new ministers who will interface with and have an impact on Ontario’s agriculture industry.
 
“We’re pleased with Ford’s choice of Ernie Hardeman for the minister responsible for agriculture, food and rural affairs for Ontario,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. Long-time MPP, agriculture minister under the Harris government and a recent agriculture critic, Hardeman comes to the job with plenty of experience. “And we look forward to working with the all other ministries that affect the agricultural industry including Environment and Climate Change; Infrastructure; Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Health and Long-Term Care; and Transportation.”
 
OFA is the leading provincial advocate for the agri-food industry, and its lobbying efforts on behalf of its 38,000 farm members depends on an effective working relationship with most provincial ministries.
 
“One of our key roles is to ensure that the governments regulations and policies that impact agriculture are considered from all angles, and well thought out about the impact on our agri-food sector,” says Currie. “OFA takes every opportunity to engage with politicians to talk about how vital our sector is to the province’s GDP and jobs.”
 
OFA’s outreach with Ontario’s 124 MPPs will be a continuation of the key messages presented through its Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign. “We are ready to go with in-the-field events and Queen’s Park briefings to reinforce the needs of our sector – from energy to infrastructure to ensuring a reliable, affordable and safe food system for all Ontarians.”
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 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
 
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
neil.currie@ofa.on.ca
 

​By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
In the complicated world that is the current state of affairs in international trade and tariffs, the agricultural industry needs strong advocates to protect all farmers’ interests. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is actively working with negotiators to ensure farmers in Ontario and across the country are not compromised.
 
As the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations drag on and tariff wars heat up, it’s critical that we look for opportunities and alternatives to mitigate the potential damage to our industry and our economy.
 
Canada and Mexico are the two largest export markets for US products, and any serious change to the NAFTA deal or increased tariffs put our markets and competitiveness at risk.
 
US President Trump insisted on a renegotiation of the 1994 trade agreement with Canada and Mexico early in his presidency. Talks are currently stalled and are expected to resume only after the Mexican national election on July 1.
 
On June 1, the US imposed tariffs on imports of certain steel and aluminum products from Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU) based on issues of US national security. Canada is impacted the most by these tariffs. All three regions had been previously exempt from these same tariffs.
 
On July 1, Canada intends to impose counter tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum and other products (including some food products and whiskey) in response to the US tariffs. This is standard procedure and permissible under international trade rules providing the value of the retaliatory tariffs are equal. Tariff targets are typically chosen for impact in terms of affected products and producers.
 
Generally, trade wars have the final effect of raising the cost of goods and services in the participating countries.  Although some may benefit in the short-term from tariff-induced trade interruptions, overall it’s a lose-lose situation with producers and consumers financially impacted in both Canada and the US. It gets even more complicated by the fact the US is waging trade wars with other countries at the same time. For example, US pork exports to Mexico will face retaliatory duties imposed by Mexico in response to US steel and aluminum tariffs. Where will these displaced US pork exports go? Consequently, our work must quickly look at the possible economic impacts on farmers in terms of markets and competitiveness and find ways and means to mitigate these impacts – to hold out until cooler heads prevail.
 
 
With CFA and our fellow farm organizations across the country we will work to defend and protect the competitiveness of Canadian farms and our food industry as we await a rational outcome to economic madness.
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For more information, contact:



Drew Spoelstra
Executive Member
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
905-379-5751

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

​Guelph, ON [June 8, 2018] – OFA congratulates Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative party on forming the next government in Ontario. “We look forward to getting to know new MPPs across the province, and connecting with returning politicians to continue the conversations we started during the election period about the needs of the agricultural sector and our rural communities,” says Keith Currie, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
 
Throughout the election, OFA reinforced that agriculture and rural Ontario hold the key for provincial prosperity and long-term economic growth – already contributing $13.7 billion to the province’s annual GDP and $1.4 billion in provincial tax revenues. OFA gathered support for its Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign from all parties during the campaign – a platform to support spreading economic development across the province.
 
“With the balance of Ontarians living and working in urban ridings, we advocated for a greater understanding of the needs and opportunities that lie in Ontario’s agri-food industry and rural communities,” says Currie. “We now have a targeted audience of 124 MPPs who will continue to hear about the key messages from our Producing Prosperity in Ontario election campaign and the tremendous potential to drive economic growth, affordable housing opportunities, job creation, environmental sustainability and local food security,” says Currie. 
 
With the new majority government in place, OFA will continue to work for long-term investments needed to spearhead increased economic prosperity in rural Ontario – expanded access to affordable natural gas energy, improved roads, bridges and drainage to support growth and transportation of agricultural goods, and reliable internet to get farms, local businesses and rural communities better connected.
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 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
 
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
neil.currie@ofa.on.ca
 

​By Bruce Buttar, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Summer on the farm is exciting and busy. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and it’s a privilege to watch our crops and animals growing throughout the summer months. But farm work can be risky and unpredictable at times, especially when we’re working outside in the elements.
 
Heat stress, extended sun exposure and longer working hours are risks farmers and farm workers often face during the summer as a result of Ontario’s climate and our short growing season. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reminds our members, their farm families and employees to stay safe and take precautions this summer to prevent heat stress and exhaustion.
 
OFA recently expanded its relationship with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) to a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). We’re happy to offer OFA members farm safety and prevention resources to help keep everyone safe and healthy. WSPS has released key tips to prevent heat stress for agricultural workers and anyone else who works outside. 
 
Safety is everyone’s responsibility on a farm. OFA reminds Ontario farmers to work safely and watch out for each other. Prevention is key and there are plenty of ways to reduce the strain of working in hot weather. Wear appropriate clothing like loose fitting cotton and moisture wicking fabrics. Stay hydrated yourself and have plenty of water available for everyone. Proper employee training and supervision can go a long way to prevent heat stress and hot weather related injuries or illnesses. Everyone should know the signs of heat stress and what to do if someone experiences distress.
 
Any job that causes your body temperature to rise has the potential to cause heat stress, but there are ways to keep workers safe, no matter where you work. Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attack and other physical health effects. Heat stress can also impact business on a farm when jobs are often tied to weather or available labour.
 
Knowing the symptoms of heat stress is just as important as prevention. If you or someone you’re working with show signs of fatigue, light headedness, dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty focusing or excessive sweating, take action immediately by removing yourself or your co-worker to a cooler location and drink plenty of water.
 
To all our farming members, take care this summer and stay safe. We’ve already experienced some hot weather and it’s a good reminder of what summers on the farm in Ontario are like. Stay safe this summer.
For more information on heat stress or other farm safety resources visit ofa.on.ca.
 
 
 
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For more information, contact:

Bruce Buttar
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
905-373-6175
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

By Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​OFA Commentary: May 31, 2018

We’re almost there. Election day looms for Ontarians as both candidates and party leaders vie for our votes.
 
We, as Ontario voters, have watched the debates, read party platforms and talked to local candidates to see for ourselves who will represent us at Queen’s Park. And, if you haven’t already, it’s soon time to make a decision.
 
The 2018 provincial election has been a bit of a roller coaster, in regards to who is leading in the polls, but one important question still remains – who will represent Ontario agriculture and our rural communities? And who will work with us to produce prosperity across Ontario?
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), along with our county federations and local members, have been working hard to raise the importance of Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities with party leaders and candidates throughout the election.
 
We’ve been explaining our Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign. We’re calling for necessary public investments to permit affordable energy access for farms and rural residents. We need improved infrastructure, such as proper roads and bridges, secure social infrastructure such as local rural schools and health care. And we need reliable internet that will keep farms, local businesses and communities better connected and competitive in today’s digital world.
 
OFA has made it clear – a little attention and public investment in agriculture and rural Ontario will go a long way. We’re talking about real pay-offs for the entire province. New jobs will be created. Affordable energy will lead to significant income savings that can be invested back into our communities. Solid roads and bridges will allow goods, services and trades to travel easily through our communities. And, reliable broadband will see new rural education and employment options.
 
Rural Ontario and our agricultural industry have the potential to produce prosperity for every Ontarian. And there’s still time to tell our candidates.
 
OFA is asking all members to visit actnow.ofa.on.ca to send an electronic letter directly to their local candidates and each party leader. The letter clearly explains OFA’s Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign and why agriculture and rural Ontario matter.
 
It’s important that election candidates understand the potential agriculture and rural hold because the successful candidate will form the next government. Visit actnow.ofa.on.ca and speak up.
 
And, to all of our members who have been so active engaging with MPP candidates throughout the election, talking about the benefits of Ontario agriculture to the entire province, on behalf of OFA, many thanks!
 
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For more information, contact:

Peggy Brekveld
Vice President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
807-707-2814
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883
 

​Mississauga, May 29, 2018 – Building on their shared values and a relationship forged over many years, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their commitment to work together to address key safety issues affecting Ontario farmers, agriculture employees and farm families.
 
“Safety is a priority and should be everyone’s responsibility on a farm,” says Keith Currie, OFA President. “This MOU strengthens the long-standing relationship OFA shares with WSPS – formerly Farm Safety Association. Together we’ll continue to develop safety materials to raise awareness and help keep our farm communities safe.”
 
As part of the agreement, OFA will continue to sit on the WSPS Agriculture Horticulture Advisory Committee to provide insight and guidance on agricultural matters. OFA will also utilize their Member Service Representative network and regional county federations of agriculture to assist in the distribution of farm safety resources.
 
In turn, WSPS will leverage its resources, including the Farm Safety Gazette newsletter and rural agricultural volunteers, to disseminate farm safety resources across Ontario.
 
Together they will increase advocacy and promotion of each other’s services, events, products and information, as well as develop new co-branded materials of value to the farming community.
 
WSPS President Lynn Brownell looks forward to the benefits the MOU will bring. “The Ontario agriculture and farming community is vibrant and diverse, with very specific health and safety needs. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together to increase health and safety awareness across the province.”
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 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.
 
WSPS is the largest health & safety association in Ontario, responsible for more than 167,000 member firms across the agricultural, industrial/manufacturing and service sectors.
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For more information please contact:
Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
705-441-3362
keith.currie@ofa.on.ca



Dean Anderson
Strategic Advisor, Agricultural Initiatives
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
905-614-1400 ext. 2014
Dean.Anderson@wsps.ca
 

OFA Commentary: May 25, 2018

By Pat Jilesen, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) knows how proud our members are of their farms, families and agricultural communities. That’s why we’re launching the OFA’s Proud to Farm photo contest. We’re asking members and their families to share their views of Ontario agriculture in a little friendly competition.

 
The Proud to Farm photo contest is open until August 17, 2018, giving OFA members plenty of time to capture that perfect shot throughout the growing season. There are three categories to enter – Proud to Farm, Farm Scenes and Farm Animals – for members and their immediate families to share their favourite images of Ontario agriculture. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category, plus an additional grand prize for the Farmers Choice Award. Photo entries must be submitted online at www.ofa.on.ca.
 
The contest is sponsored by OFA’s Proud to Lead initiative and Farm Credit Canada. OFA members will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite photo in each category, including the Farmers Choice Award. Voting will be available online and at OFA’s Federation House during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in September, 2018.
 
Winning photographs will be announced at OFA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting in November and featured in the 2019 issue of OFA Today magazine.
 
OFA invites all members and their families to share your photography skills and show us what rural life, farm animals, agriculture and farming looks like to you. Full details are available at www.ofa.on.ca/photocontest.
 
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For more information, contact:

Pat Jilesen
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-386-1330



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

By Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
OFA Commentary: May 18, 2018

Running a farm is a complex business. Laws and regulations from multiple ministries govern Ontario farms on issues ranging from transportation and environment to labour and finance. The passing of Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act in 2017 has added additional layers of complex regulations for Ontario farm employers. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recently hosted a webinar to highlight how changes in the new legislation will impact farm employers and suggested options to comply.
 
The webinar reviewed how many of the changes resulting from the new Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act have impacted the Employment Standards Act and recommended essential labour resources for Ontario farm employers. This webinar is available on the OFA website for information purposes but should not be considered legal advice. Labour issues can be complex, so you may want to seek legal advice from a specialist in employment law.
 
The often risky and unpredictable business of agriculture – the seasonality, perishability, external market forces, climate and weather variability, and the challenges of working with biological organisms – combine to make farm employment unique.
 
Labour laws and regulations must reflect these unique circumstances of farm work, and some flexibility remains under the Employment Standards Act for farm employers to effectively manage human resources in a dynamic workplace. While necessary, trying to regulate a necessarily flexible workplace can create confusion for farm employers about when and how the legislation applies to their operation and employees.
 
Farm employers must be aware of recent changes to the Employment Standards Act, including the new minimum wage, modifications to the Equal Pay for Equal Work rules, new public holiday and vacation pay calculations, and changes to the suite of workplace leaves of absence. Resources are available from the Ministry of Labour to help farm employers understand their obligations to employees under the act. 
 
For more information on farm employment regulations visit the resources section of OFA’s website for a full list of resources or to watch the full webinar.
 
 
For more information, contact:

Peggy Brekveld
Vice President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
807-707-2814

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

By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​
Invest in rural regions for long-term growth. That’s the take home message in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) recently released report – Rural 3.0: A Framework for Rural Development. The policy research report outlines the case for focusing on rural areas as engines of national prosperity and suggests how public policy should leverage this opportunity.
 
The Rural 3.0 report states that rural regions are not synonymous with decline, but represent growth and opportunity. The report presents a convincing argument that rural regions will play a central role in meeting the major global opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. The OECD suggests innovations in food production, new energy sources to meet climate challenges and the provision of natural resources are all key contributions being made by rural regions today that will continue as global populations grow.
 
An international body, the OECD promotes policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world and provides a forum for governments to work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. With 35 member countries, including Canada, the OECD works towards a collective goal to build a stronger, cleaner and fairer world.
 
Rural regions are places of opportunity – this consistent theme throughout the report identifies policy considerations necessary for rural economic development and explores rural development opportunities. Some of the opportunities explored in the policy report include the untapped potential for agri-food growth and competitiveness.
 
This timely report supports the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) call for investments and development investment in rural Ontario as a solution to economic growth for the entire province. OFA’s 2018 provincial election campaign, Producing Prosperity in Ontario, outlines how investments in the agri-food sector and Ontario’s rural communities can lead to economic growth through job creation, affordable housing, environmental sustainability and local food security.
 
The need for rural growth and development isn’t just limited to Ontario or Canada. The Rural 3.0 report clearly identifies rural regions worldwide in need of government attention, proper policies and investments to realize the tremendous potential these areas offer. In Ontario we know our rural communities and farms have untapped potential to benefit all Ontarians, and welcome the global support for this position in the Rural 3.0 report.
 
 
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For more information, contact:

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

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