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

OFA Commentary: May 17, 2019
By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​
Trespassing on farm property is a growing concern for Ontario farmers. From rural trail hikers detouring into a pasture to ATV drivers ruining crops, farmers have dealt with all types of unwanted visitors on the farm who leave varying degrees of damage. The latest threat to farmers, especially livestock farmers and transporters is the increasing risk of activists trespassing, invading, breaking into barns and harassing farmers, their families and employees.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is reminding all Ontario farmers to be aware of these ongoing threats and take precautions to prevent, or at least mitigate the consequences of any trespassers that threaten regular farm activities, farmers, their families or employees.
OFA is encouraging all farmers to be prepared for unwanted visitors on your farm by:

• Post No Trespassing signs and any necessary biosecurity signs to clearly mark private property.
• Lock all building doors and vehicles. Remove keys from tractors and equipment and store them somewhere safe.
• Monitor visitors and watch for suspicious vehicles or activities on or around farm property.
• Consider adding video surveillance to barns or high traffic areas of the farm.
• Train family and employees how to respond to unwanted visitors and situations that would require calling police.

OFA is working with our agricultural industry partners to raise awareness of this serious on-farm issue and lobby our provincial government to ensure the safety of Ontario’s farm families and their employees. We’re also asking for stronger enforcement of animal activists who are conducting these illegal and threatening activities. Farmers, their families and employees are becoming increasingly frightened and frustrated.
OFA reminds farmers to be prepared and call police if necessary. We’re all facing this threat of activists and trespassers together. And we’re asking farmers to add their voice to an online letter campaign that will send a letter directly to your MPP to register your concern for the growing threat of animal activism.
Add your voice today by visiting actnow.ofa.on.ca. Follow the simple instructions to sign your name to a letter that urges the provincial government to deliver better police protection and stronger enforcement against animal activists to ensure the safety of our farms, our families and our employees.
 
 
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For more information, contact:



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

Neil Currie
General Manager

​May 2, 2019 (London) – Ontario farm groups strongly disagree with yesterday’s decision to drop charges against a well-known animal rights activist.
 
“Yesterday’s court decision negatively impacts all of Ontario agriculture,” said Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture speaking on behalf of numerous farm organizations including Ontario Pork, Farm & Food Care Ontario, Turkey Farmers of Ontario, Egg Farmers of Ontario, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fur Breeders’ Association, Veal Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Sheep Farmers. 
 
“Our system of law and order is based on consequences for breaking the law.  Without meaningful prosecutions that act as a deterrent to future crimes, activists become bolder in their actions. They’re also fundraising through their illegal activities, thus profiting from breaking the law.”
 
In 2016 and 2017, the activist is alleged to have entered a hog barn near Lucan, Ont., on multiple occasions, without the knowledge of the property owners.  In 2018, she admitted in a media interview to recording video inside the barn on these occasions, and submitting it to various authorities for investigation. She also acknowledged taking two animals from the barn. She had been facing charges of break and enter, and mischief to property worth more than $5,000.
 
For many farm families in Canada, home and work are uniquely connected. Recent incursions by animal activists onto farms and into buildings clearly defined as private property violate the Trespass to Property Act, RSO 1990. These actions put the security of all involved at risk, including farmers and their families.
 
“For farmers and their families, having their homes and businesses invaded is deeply troubling – whether by large groups of protestors or stealth incursions at night,” said Eric Schwindt, chair of Ontario Pork. “It’s important to note that recent activist attempts to discredit farmers have resulted in no charges against the farms they targeted. For farmers, police and regulators, these incidents tie up vital resources that could be put to better use elsewhere.”
 
 
Ontario livestock farmers follow high standards of animal care. Those standards of care include biosecurity protocols designed to protect animals from disease. Anyone entering barns or farms, handling animals or moving between barns without following proper biosecurity protocols puts the health of animals, the safety of food and the livelihood of farmers at risk.
 
Farmers work closely with veterinarians, nutrition specialists, regulators and other experts to monitor and maintain the health and safety of their animals and property. There are clear protocols in place with the authorities to investigate and address concerns that are brought forward. Healthy, safe farms are important for the people who live and work there, as well as for animals and consumers.
 
Livestock groups and other farm organizations in Ontario will continue to work with each other, police and government to support the rights of farmers to protect their property from illegal activities.
 
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For further information:
 
Kelly Daynard
Executive Director, Farm & Food Care Ontario
T 519. 837.1326 extension 224
M 519. 993.8634
E kelly@farmfoodcare.org
www.FarmFoodCareON.org
 
Stacey Ash
Manager, Communications and Consumer Marketing
T  519.767.4609
M  519.820.3119
E  stacey.ash@ontariopork.on.ca
www.ontariopork.on.ca
 
Sent on behalf of:
Ontario Federation of Agriculture www.ofa.on.ca
Farm & Food Care Ontario www.FarmFoodCareON.org
Ontario Pork www.ontariopork.on.ca
Dairy Farmers of Ontario www.milk.org
Chicken Farmers of Ontario www.ontariochicken.ca
Turkey Farmers of Ontario  www.turkeyfarmers.on.ca
Egg Farmers of Ontario www.getcracking.ca
Ontario Sheep Farmers www.ontariosheep.org
Veal Farmers of Ontario www.ontarioveal.on.ca
Ontario Fur Breeders’ Association

OFA Commentary: April 11, 2019

By Crispin Colvin, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​
Changes are coming to animal care enforcement in Ontario. Earlier this year, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) announced they would not sign a new contract for their services with the Ontario government. This means that, as of April 1, OSPCA is no longer investigating and enforcing animal cruelty law for livestock and equine on farms in Ontario.
These decisions have required changes to the process and the authorities for animal protection across the province. The public is being advised to contact local polices services if they are concerned with care of a farm animal. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) wants all farmers to be aware that local police services have taken over the responsibility from OSPCA for inspection and enforcement activities for all livestock and equine in Ontario. OSPCA will continue to provide services for animal care enforcement for domestic pets only until June 28, 2019.
OFA has been working with Ontario’s animal agriculture representatives, Farm and Food Care Ontario and commodity groups to develop networks with police forces across the province that now have the authority to inspect premises and enforce animal care laws. Ontario farmers provide excellent care for farm animals and uphold the highest standard of care outlined in our national codes of practice.
OFA is committed to continue to work closely with police services in the best interests of farm animals as a new plan for animal care protection takes shape. We will also continue to work with farmers, livestock groups, police services and the Ontario government to ensure cooperation and transparency between all parties continues as changes to Ontario’s animal protection services are implemented.
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For more information, contact:

Crispin Colvin
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-868-7317

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

By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
​
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is a strong advocate for eliminating unnecessary red tape and regulatory burden for Ontario’s agricultural community. As the provincial government looks to reduce red tape under its open-for-business bylaws, including the proposed Bill 66 Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, OFA will always advocate to ensure the concerns of Ontario agriculture are heard and considered.
Bill 66 is a far-reaching piece of legislation that includes proposed changes to several existing laws across several provincial ministries that impact the agri-food sector. It proposes amendments to the Planning Act, Agricultural Employees Protection Act, Toxics Reduction Act, and the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act.
OFA is encouraged by the government’s decision to remove Schedule 10 – a proposed amendment to the provincial Planning Act that would have given municipalities the ability to pass bylaw changes that could use primary farmland for any type of development.
As every farmer knows, farmland is a finite resource. We can’t make more and must do everything we can to protect it for food production. There are tremendous opportunities for prosperity across Ontario that don’t need to be at the expense of the province’s farmland resource.
OFA has outlined our official position on all proposed changes to legislation under Bill 66 that would impact Ontario farmers, and have sent a formal submission to Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
We support changes to the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002 that would extend the act to workers in the ornamental horticulture sector.
We support the proposed changes to the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 that would make it easier to report violations on toxic substances. OFA also supports the intent to make it easier for people to report violations. We do encourage the government to ensure that compliance systems under this act be conducted with scientifically sound investigations to avoid false reporting.
OFA generally supports proposed amendments to the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, 1993. But we caution the government that eliminating Section 2(2) could increase red tape and burden on farm businesses – running counter to the intent of Bill 66. These changes could also result in multiple registrations filed for the same farm business – a wasteful and unnecessary consequence of the proposed amendments.
We will be following this extensive piece of legislation and continuing to advocate for decisions that benefit and don’t hinder the ability of Ontario farmers to operate sustainable and productive operations.
To read OFA’s full submission to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, please visit ofa.on.ca/resources and click on “Submissions and Correspondence”.
 
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For more information, contact:

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

​OFA Commentary: February 15, 2019
By Jacqueline Kelly-Pemberton, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

When the provincial government proposes new legislation or changes to existing regulations that could impact Ontario agriculture, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) evaluates the fine print and prepares an official response to government. These responses form the basis of our position on the issues raised.
OFA’s team of eight farm policy researchers are constantly reviewing government activities to assess the impact that regulatory changes may have on the agri-food sector and rural communities. It has been a busy year so far with official OFA submissions to various provincial government ministries to ensure that the voice of agriculture is heard and considered in any regulatory and legislative changes.
We have submitted written responses to government on issues ranging from increasing housing opportunities in Ontario, to clean fuel standards, to the government’s proposed made-in-Ontario environment plan and Bill 66.
OFA submissions reiterate the tremendous value that Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities contribute to the provincial economy. And to remain competitive and poised for growth we urge the government to prioritize and protect farmland from development. OFA strongly and successfully opposed the government’s open-for-business planning tool that would undercut decades of land use planning. We also disagree with the government’s position that a lack of land is behind the urban housing problem. Removing farmland for development is short sighted.
The government’s environment plan must recognize the ecological goods and services that farmland provides – for the benefit of all Ontarians.  
Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitive Act, 2018 aims to reduce red tape and regulatory burden across several existing acts. OFA is a strong advocate for reducing unnecessary red tape. We continue to urge the government to consider the implications that any and all regulatory changes will have on the agri-food sector and rural communities.
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For more information, contact:

Jacqueline Kelly-Pemberton
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
613-774-5914

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

OFA Commentary: February 7, 2019
By Mark Kunkel, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Updates to the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program were announced on February 1 that should see improvements in the claims, appeal and compensation process for Ontario livestock farmers. The changes will be implemented by the federal and provincial governments, and are a result of consultations with farmers and agricultural industry leaders, including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
Wildlife predation is a serious threat to livestock. Coyotes, bears, wolves and foxes are among the most common predators in Ontario that kill or maim livestock, leading to financial, animal health and disease problems. The challenges farmers face with predators and protecting livestock were compounded by their increasing frustration with the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
OFA and farmers across the province participated in the consultation process to amend the program. OFA is pleased the federal and provincial governments heard our concerns about challenges with the program. The consultation process has seen some improvements that will reduce unnecessary red tape in the program.
To help farmers access compensation for livestock lost to predators, the Ontario Wildlife Compensation Program now includes:

• more ways to provide evidence that is sufficient to prove wildlife predation
• a more independent and transparent appeal process
• better training for municipal investigators to assess predation
• compensation that better reflects market prices

Program changes are effective February 1, 2019 and reflect some of the asks OFA, along with our farm business members have asked for. OFA encourages all Ontario livestock farmers to review the new program and changes. We also ask for feedback, directly to OFA and to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. OFA believes there is still room for improvement, and we will continue working with government to ensure the compensation program works as efficiently and effectively as it should.
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For more information, contact:

Mark Kunkel
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
705-492-4752

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