COVID-19-Stay-at-home exemption - template letterUpdated: January 14, 2021
In response to the Ontario government’s stay-at-home orders which came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 14, 2021, OFA has developed the Stay-at-Home Exemption Letter for members and their employees. The letter clearly outlines that under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, any person (farmer or employee) carrying the letter is considered exempt from the stay-at-home order while conducting essential business activities.
The letter clearly identifies businesses that are permitted to stay open as well as a list of essential activities related to the agriculture and food sector that are exempt.
The purpose of the letter is to allow farmers and employees to travel in order to conduct business.
The template letter is available for members in both English and French.
ENGLISH – Click here to view and print the Stay-at-Home Exemption Letter
FRENCH – Click here for a French version of the Stay-at-Home Exemption Letter
Download PDF file‘Stay-at-Home Exemption Letter – January 2021’
 

Occasionally, we all need to take a step back, breathe, review and renew. Many of us do this as we hang a new calendar. We think about the past, what worked and what didn’t, and plan for the future. We look at blank pages as a fresh start and envision what can make the next year better. 2021, in particular, has many of us optimistic that brighter days are ahead.  
At OFA, we‘re looking forward to a fresh start as we close the door on 2020 and begin a new year of exciting opportunities and growth for our organization.  
OFA is excited to announce that we will be rebranding our commentaries and the weekly e-newsletter, beginning Monday, January 11. We are going to be introducing a whole new look and feel – but carrying on the same message. We hope this rebranding will kickstart an exciting year for Ontario agriculture, while continuing to keep our high-quality communications, our continued collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders, and our desire to engage and hear from you, our members.  
Together, we hope that 2021 is an exciting year of growth and opportunity for you and Ontario’s dynamic agri-food sector.  

Peggy Brekveld, 
OFA President  ​

​By Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
 
2020 has been a whirlwind year for Ontario agriculture. As farm business owners, we had to be flexible and proactive as we adjusted to a new reality. The pandemic first hit our province in March of this year and has continued to keep our sector on its toes with changing regulations, public health restrictions and loss of traditional market streams for our products. Together with many partners, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has accomplished a tremendous amount of good for the sector, laying a strong foundation for a post-pandemic road to recovery. 
 
Starting my new role as Director of Zone 4 during a pandemic was definitely an adjustment to what I initially thought the role would be. As I began my term, the province was in the process of determining how to handle the news of the pandemic. The pandemic caused a fundamental shift in our organization, but in true farmer fashion, we adapt and make the best with what we have.
 
The Ontario agriculture industry has collectively overcome significant obstacles and disruptions, including labour shortages, rail strikes, food processing shutdowns, volatile markets, and a freedom-of-information request among a long list of other issues. Despite these challenges, advocating on behalf of our members remained a top priority for OFA. We continued to champion the diverse interests of our 38,000 farm families.
 
In early March, our members had to pivot to virtual meetings in order to maintain provincial safety regulations. This change was a big adjustment for a community that values face-to-face interaction, however, our organization was overwhelmed by the cooperation and willingness from our members to embark on this virtual journey with us. We not only adapted to virtual as an organization - we thrived. Throughout the pandemic, our organization has been able to effectively run virtual booths and events, county Annual provincial and county-level meetings for monthly business, as well as county Regional and Annual General Meetings culminating with our first ever OFA wide Annual General Meeting, all successfully through online platforms. We are grateful for our members and counties who have adapted to making these virtual meetings successful, and were overwhelmed by the participation and support shown at our Annual General Meeting.
 
I experienced my first advocacy challenge less than a week into my new role. It is a well-known statistic that the farming community makes up 2% of the population and often, rules and regulations do not initially reflect the unique needs of our sector. In this case, Public Health had declared a vague and ominous restriction on farmworkers, which would limit them to only working at one farm in the hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19. As a dairy farmer myself, I knew that this would cause significant issues for Ontario's farming families. To solve this issue, I was given the opportunity to work with the Southwestern Public Health Unit (SWPH) and lobbied for clarification to ensure that public health restrictions fairly addressed the unique needs of the agriculture sector.
 
Along with other lobby efforts, the OFA team worked to ensure that our members had the tools required to navigate COVID-19 successfully. Communications pivoted to develop resources to help our members navigate effectively. OFA created a summary of financial programs available to farmers, along with a producer's guide to selling directly to consumers throughout the pandemic, a guide for minimizing workplace risk, and fact sheets with the most up-to-date information on our website.
 
Throughout the pandemic, we continued to advocate hard for the pressing issues affecting our membership. In a year like no other, OFA lobbied for Bill 156 to be put into force, in order to protect farm animals, the food supply, as well as farmers and their families. We also put our lobby efforts into furthering investments for broadband and cellular expansion, for expansion of natural gas infrastructure for rural, northern and remote communities, and for funding to increase to Ontario's Risk Management Program. Additionally, OFA successfully influenced the Ontario government to address our concerns regarding the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and spearheaded the Freedom-of-Information (FOI) request settlement. You, our members, have also been a large part of this success, as you have all been active advocates, locally holding meetings with politicians to address key priorities and issues within our sector.
 
We owe our successful year to the collaborative work with fellow industry stakeholders throughout the value chain. Working together for the common goal of a dynamic and robust Ontario agri-food sector during the pandemic has been vital in keeping the agri-food sector resilient. 
 
I am incredibly proud to be a part of such a hardworking sector and to represent my counties at the provincial level. I hope we can end this year on a high note, celebrating Ontario agriculture's resiliency and strong advocacy. On behalf of OFA's team, I wish you a great holiday season and all the best in 2021. 
 
For more information, contact:
 
Tracey Arts
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-521-0747
 
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883
 
 

On Monday, November 23, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will be hosting its 2020 Virtual Annual General Meeting from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The theme of this year’s event is Navigating our Road to Recovery.
The theme highlights Ontario agriculture’s road to recovery as we navigate through COVID-19 and beyond. OFA will be a leader on the road to recovery and help farm businesses that faced challenging times in 2020 ensure they have the tools, resources and support necessary to remain profitable and sustainable.
OFA’s annual meeting will feature a keynote speaker, government leaders, leadership election and engaged discussions on key issues and priorities impacting Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Guest speakers:
Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
Keynote Speaker: Brent Butt, Canadian actor, comedian and screenwriter
The AGM will also include Director-at-Large elections, resolutions pertaining to bylaw amendments, county resolutions and a year in review video.
Resources:
For more details about our Director-at-Large candidates, click here. 
To view the AGM Workbook, click here.
For the 2020 AGM Delegate Guide, click here.
For more information about this year’s 2020 Virtual Annual General Meeting, visit our ofa.on.ca/agm.

​GUELPH, ON [November 12, 2020] – Ontario’s three general farm organizations the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) and the National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O) are very pleased to share with their membership that a settlement has been reached with respect to the Freedom of Information (FOI) request for a list of names of all Farm Business Registrants.
The request was initiated in June and after a lengthy period of mediation, led by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and supported by their legal counsel, the request for the list of names has been withdrawn.
“Together, our farm organizations strongly opposed the release of this information as it has the potential to greatly impact the health, safety and security of our farm operations,” stated Keith Currie, OFA President. “We are very pleased to report that the matter has been resolved, the FOI has been dropped and we can move forward with the significant priorities of the Ontario agriculture sector.”
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, visit ofa.on.ca.
The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is an Accredited Farm Organization representing the interests of over 4,000 farm families in Ontario who are called to the vocation of farming. CFFO policy promotes economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable farming, advocating that farmers receive fair return for their production and stewardship efforts.
The NFU-O is an accredited farm organization whose members work together to advocate for policies that maintain small and medium sized family farms as the primary food-producers in Canada. The NFU-O believes agriculture should be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and lead to enriched soils, biodiverse ecosystems, financially viable farms, healthy and safe food, and thriving rural communities. The NFU-O collaborates locally, nationally and internationally to research, educate, and share effective solutions that lead to a better world for farm families and their communities.
For more information, contact:
Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
705-441-3362
Ed Scharringa
President
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
519-837-1620
Don Ciparis
President
National Farmers Union – Ontario
1-888-832-9638

​August 26, 2020
By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario farms are places of business, where animals are raised, safe and sustainable food is produced, and where a living is made. But they are also homes, where families are raised, and children play. Ontario’s agriculture industry is experiencing increased incidents of trespass, with activists illegally entering property, barns and buildings, breaching biosecurity protocols, and causing significant disruptions to the entire agri-food sector. Once lawful protests have escalated to barn break-ins, theft of animals, harassment and threats, and large-scale demonstrations which go beyond peaceful protest. These actions put the entire food system at risk. Without a healthy and sustainable value chain from farm to table, Ontario’s livestock and poultry sector cannot survive, thrive, prosper or profit.
Individuals are entitled to their beliefs and have the right to protest. However, protests should never break the law, interfere with legal businesses, or endanger the safety of people or animals. In recent months, animal activism has escalated beyond peaceful protest. The rise in less-than-peaceful protests are cause for concern, as they not only threaten the personal safety and mental well-being of farmers, their families, employees, and the animals, it threatens the integrity of Ontario’s entire agri-food system.
Animal rights activism in the agriculture industry poses significant challenges down the entire value chain, including processing facilities, their workers, and livestock transporters. There is a real concern around processing plants, where animal rights activists stop livestock trucks, and create safety issues for all parties involved. Transport trailers are unable to quickly stop if someone suddenly blocks the roadway, and creates major safety concerns to the drivers, the animals, and the protestors. Activists enter the vehicle’s blind spots when they come up to the trailer and interfere with the animals, creating another safety issue as the driver cannot always see when they start driving again. Drivers face on-going abuse, including harassment, threats, and items being thrown at the vehicle and trailer. Not only do they affect the mental health of the transport driver, these actions can cause significant stress and harm to the animals on the trailer.​Lack of convictions and current fines within the judicial system aren’t acting as a deterrent. The new Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020 aims to do just that. The new legislation offers farmers, livestock transporters and processing plants new protections, and gives the judicial system new tools to address the extreme actions by activists aiming to end animal agriculture. The Act creates “animal protection zones”, which includes barns, livestock vehicles and processing facilities, and makes it illegal to enter barns or interfere with livestock transport without consent. The inclusion of designated animal protection zones will help to eliminate and reduce the risk of distress for farm animals and exposing livestock to disease and stress, as well as introducing contaminates to the food supply. Trespass protection is enhanced, with significant penalties for violations up to $15,000 for a first offence, and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences. Trespassers are also financially liable for damages as a result of their actions.
Comments and statements from those opposing the new act claim that it stifles free speech, impedes one’s right to protest and prevents exposing the abuse of farm animals. Concerns around the issue of animal abuse, and the ability and obligation to report such actions are entrenched within the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, 2019, which came into effect January 1, 2020. Ontario farmers firmly believe in and advocate for the humane treatment of all animals, including livestock and poultry, and do not stand for animal abuse or neglect. The Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020 acts as a complement to the PAWS Act, and together, these pieces of legislation ensure the highest standards of animal care, protect people, animals, and the province’s food supply, while respecting lawful and peaceful protests. The new legislation does a commendable job at accomplishing the needs of the agri-food sector to keep the farm and food supply safe across the province, and provides the necessary protection of Ontario farms, families, employees, their animals and the safety of the entire food system.
Farmers are an integral part of the food value chain. We stand firmly with our partners in the transportation and processing industries to maintain a safe and sustainable food system for all Ontarians.
Drew Spoelstra is an Executive Member on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Board of Directors. He is the Zone 5 Director representing the interests and priorities of OFA members in the region of Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth and Niagara.
For more information, contact:
Drew Spoelstra Executive Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 905-379-5751

​By Paul Vickers, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Farm safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s minds while working on the farm every day. However, as we all know, unfortunate events still occur. It’s important to have professionals well-equipped and knowledgeable to handle those situations when they do happen.
The Bruce County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) identified the importance of trained medical workers in rural hospitals and organizes an annual medical students’ tour. Since 2003, first-year medical students at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University spend a two-week placement in a rural hospital during their first-year studies. One day throughout the placement, BCFA works with a member of the doctor recruitment committee to tour these students around local farm operations and businesses. The number of students who participate vary. However, many local hospitals such as Walkerton and Chesley, are very committed to the success of the day.
On the full-day tour, the medical students will visit a dairy farm, a tractor dealership and a grain elevator before arriving at the local fire station for a series of presentations. Speakers include a local news reporter, a veterinarian, and a farmer who has been involved in a farm accident, which is the newest addition to the speaker line-up.
This tour demonstrates a broad range of hazards, such as working at heights at an elevator, handling and storing chemicals, dangers of farm machinery, working with livestock and zoonotic viruses (diseases that are transferable between animals and humans). BCFA hosts this event to educate students on the hazards that farmers and people working within agriculture face and to familiarize them with the different types of exposure and risks in rural areas.
Future doctors that can understand the additional safety risks within the agricultural sector, and who are prepared to treat farm accidents when they do occur, are crucial to rural hospitals. Rural communities need to attract and retain qualified medical professionals to ensure that rural Ontario is a safe place to live, work and raise a family. For Ontario to grow the agri-food sector, create jobs, and be competitive to stimulate rural economic development, we need the same high-quality services in our hospitals and schools that are available in urban communities
For many medical students, the farming sector is new to them, so this annual tour provides real life experiences and encounters related to farm safety and rural living. It also encourages them to consider the benefits of one day practicing in a rural area, where there is often a shortage of medical professionals. The BCFA tour for medical students could serve as a template for many communities across the province that are interested in attracting medical professionals to their farm and rural areas.
We appreciate the efforts of BCFA for organizing this annual tour and promoting farm safety within their community.
For more information, contact:
Paul Vickers
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-270-5098
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

​By Rejean Pommainville, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
As we near the tail end of this harvest season, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) wants to ensure that our farming families have the resources and tools they need to stay safe on increasingly busy country roads. Traffic is heavy throughout the province, especially near urban and suburban areas, as rapid development has led to urban sprawl.
Statistically, the average person is generations removed from the farm. Therefore, it is not common for the majority of motorists to have the knowledge or awareness of how to interact safely when sharing the road with heavy, large agricultural equipment. As a community that cares for each other’s well-being, farmers must be proactive by strictly following road safety rules to accomplish the goal of getting crops off and ensuring everyone returns home safely.
Harvest is an extremely busy time where the stakes and external stressors are high. Remember to take the time to put safety first on roadways, on the farm and for your family. When drivers are in an impatient rush behind you, be alert for them to pass you at unexpected times. Additionally, watch carefully as you turn onto public roadways and make left-hand turns across traffic.
When driving farm equipment on the highway, be mindful that the best practice is for your machine to be on the paved portion of the road, not the shoulder. Although it is not against the law to drive your equipment on the shoulder, it’s important to be aware of the weight and stability of your load. Shoulders are not built to support heavy vehicles and could result in a dangerous outcome.
Remember to always stay alert and focused. Stay off your smartphone; the rules for distracted driving also apply when you are driving farm equipment. Operating your equipment is a large responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
For farm equipment, be sure there is a visible slow-moving vehicle sign on all pieces of machinery that travels roadways. This includes tractors, combines, self-propelled vehicles, sprayers and any implement being towed. Furthermore, keep your maximum speed to 40km/h and take the time to check twice and signal well in advance when turning on and off busy roadways for drivers who may be anxious to race past.
Working well into the night and early morning is often unavoidable during harvest. To guarantee that you are visible to drivers, keep your lights on for safety. Lights must be on farm equipment from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise. However, the best practice to ensure your safety is to keep them on around the clock. Farm equipment on public roads must have two white headlights and one red taillight. All towed implements must have at least one red taillight.
Road safety is important for everyone. With farmers being only 2% of the population, the rules, protocols, safety measures and regulations may seem overwhelming. However, there is an onus on the general public as well to keep farm equipment and roads safe. Consumer-based road safety campaigns continue to be developed, which contain farm safety knowledge for the average motorist.
Recently, the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture partnered with the Ontario Provincial Police’s Central Region to remind drivers to slow down, have patience and share the road with farm equipment. Lindsay’s Volunteer Fire Department also took to social media to promote road safety during harvest, advising their followers “to take a deep breath, slow down and realize these farmers are out there to harvest the crops that turn into food on your table.”
I am especially pleased with the Russell Federation of Agriculture’s “Mud on the Road” pilot project in partnership with the Township of Russell. The project addresses the danger of mud on the roads caused by agricultural activities. Farmers that opt-in are provided with two road signs that indicate to motorists the possibility of mud on the roads and to proceed with caution. After the fieldwork is completed, farmers are still responsible for clearing the road of mud per the municipality’s bylaw.
This year, OFA undertook a social media campaign spanning from spring to late fall using the hashtag #farmsafe as a means to share facts, reminders and resources with our membership. Additionally, the OFA developed its own road safety video directed at consumers to educate them on slow-moving vehicle signs, equipment blind spots, etc. It is always encouraging to see members sharing these resources to increase awareness and accountability within the community.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is always worth taking the extra few minutes to double-check signs, lighting and to refresh your farming team of the rules of the road. For more road safety tips, visit ofa.on.ca/roadsafety. We are wishing you all a safe and bountiful harvest.
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 Tracey Arts, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Food Day Canada encourages consumers across the country to shop local and celebrate the abundance of fresh and delicious Canadian food and beverages we enjoy every day. Let’s connect the food we eat with those who grow and prepare it.
On Saturday, August 1, join in the Food Day Canada celebrations by purchasing locally grown and produced Canadian food to support your neighbouring farmers, your community and the local economy. When you buy local, you’re choosing fresh, safe and nutritious food that is grown right here at home. Many farmers’ markets are open on Saturdays where you can meet a farmer, talk to a local chef, and pick up ingredients for your evening meal. In Ontario, the diversity of our products is extensive as we grow and raise more than 200 different food commodities.
Food Day Canada recognizes that all Canadians have a role to play in the food supply chain, whether they are consumers, growers or producers. The initiative encourages butchers, hospitality staff, chefs, farmers, researchers, food influencers, and all other roles in the food supply chain to share their story and promote Canadian grown and produced food.
To coincide with the celebration of Food Day Canada, OFA released the Always in Season toolkit to provide resources, ideas and assistance to communities looking to support their local food producers and processors. Always in Season aims to increase local food sales, provide new opportunities for local producers for value-added agriculture, enhance agri-tourism and culinary tourism opportunities, and elevate the brand of local agricultural products.
The food supply chain has proven to be resilient and unwavering in its commitment to produce affordable, nutritious, high-quality food for Canadians, even in the midst of COVID-19. The global pandemic added pressure to workforce challenges in the agri-food sector, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada asked Canadians to Step Up to the Plate to help feed our nation. In an effort to provide our support and address labour shortages, OFA launched the Feeding Your Future initiative. The project aims to showcase the variety of careers in the food supply chain and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to pursue a career in the innovative and dynamic agri-food sector. Feeding Your Future’s goal is to ensure the Canadian agri-food sector can continue producing, processing, and distributing locally grown food, for Ontario and beyond.
This weekend, Food Day Canada will Shine a Light on Canadian Cuisine with buildings and locations across the nation lit up in red and white to honour Canadian farmers, fishers, chefs, and home cooks. Thanks to our growers, producers and processors, we are cooking healthier meals for our families. OFA is a passionate promotor of food literacy, and we encourage Canadians to know who grows their food, how to source it locally, and how to prepare nutritious and affordable meals. Six by Sixteen is OFA’s food literacy initiative and is a hub for resources including recipes that source Ontario-grown ingredients.
OFA is proud to represent 38,000 farm businesses that contribute to Canada’s safe, strong and reliable food system on a daily basis. We encourage all farm families to get involved, show their passion for farming and food and share their story as part of Food Day Canada. We thank you, our members, for dedicating your livelihoods to agriculture so Canadian consumers can celebrate what’s on their plate.
To engage and follow the festivities online, check out @FoodDayCanada and #FoodDayCanada or visit their website at fooddaycanada.ca.
For more information, contact:
Tracey Arts
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-521-0747
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

​GUELPH, ON [July 16, 2020] – The Ontario government announced some financial relief for farm businesses across the province today with a $50 million increase to Ontario’s Risk Management Program.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recognizes and appreciates the commitment from Premier Doug Ford and the provincial government to invest in the agriculture and food industry. The increase in funding to the Risk Management Program will ensure it can adequately respond to market deficiencies and volatility.
“OFA is thrilled to see this funding increase that was originally earmarked for next year brought forward and made available to farm businesses during a challenging and tumultuous year for many farmers,” said Keith Currie, OFA President.
The Risk Management Program is vital in helping farmers manage risks outside of their control. Access to funding through the program can help farmers offset increased farm operation costs and market unpredictability.
“Today’s announcement from the Ontario government will help to provide the critical support the agriculture sector needs to weather the financial storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Currie.
Ontario’s program, which is administered by Agricorp, is available for eligible farm businesses in the grains, cattle, hogs, sheep, veal, and edible horticulture sectors. In order to qualify, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
As part of the Risk Management Program, eligible horticulture producers have access to a Self-Directed Risk Management account which enables them to receive matching contributions from the Ontario government up to a maximum amount. The deposit maximum is based on eligible Allowable Net Sales.
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, visit ofa.on.ca.