By Paul Vickers, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Whether it be direct or indirect, the entire population has a connection to agriculture and the ongoing challenges within the industry. Rural or urban, we all rely on food, fibre and fuel to sustain our everyday lives. Therefore, it is imperative that the population beyond the ag echo chamber become aware of the ongoing issues. Bringing both triumphs and challenges to the forefront of municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, has the power to influence decision making in the future and make us a bigger part of the conversation. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is proud of the effort made by local and county federations to facilitate politicians’ meetings within their regions. Last week, the Grey County Federation of Agriculture (GCFA) and Bruce County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) teamed up to host an open meeting, sharing the impact of agriculture in this region and some of the ongoing challenges faced in Grey and Bruce counties. Municipal representatives, MPs and MPPs were invited to the table to join the conversation. Local commodity groups, Conservation Authority representatives and supporting stakeholders, such as Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) were also in attendance. A tradition 14 years in the running, this year’s event attracted nearly 50 participants. Enhancing communication between the agricultural industry and all levels of government creates a better understanding of issues creating barriers in rural communities and farming families. Events like these facilitate a unique opportunity to join many players in proactive discussions with an agricultural lens. Given the smaller proportion of rural population, it makes it that much more important for our rural communities to amplify their voice in the presence of politicians and policymakers. In all my years of involvement in agriculture, food and farming have never been as prominent in the government’s dialogue as it is today. Sessions like these are a valuable opportunity to reiterate the impact of agriculture and advocate for the support we need to overcome current and future barriers in our industry. Topics on the agenda included drainage, land use, a scope of agriculture in Grey and Bruce as well as local commodity group updates. Understanding that although these issues were mentioned in the context of this specific region, similar impacts are being felt across many rural jurisdictions. There was excellent engagement from all stakeholder groups that were present, and Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs facilitated a powerful connection between the rural voice and political participants. This allowed the illustration of connections between global issues, including the invasion of Ukraine, and the impacts on food supply, including local food production and security. There was a notable engagement under the topic of land use planning; one of OFA’s top priorities. Agricultural land is a finite resource, making up less than 5 per cent of Ontario’s land base. With a rapidly growing population, it is understandable that elected officials focus on housing needs and expanding urban boundaries however, it is important that the value of preserving farmland is considered. OFA’s Home Grown campaign is promoting the critical importance of protecting farmland, and the video played during the meeting reiterated that message in the hopes that future discussions on urban boundary changes will take this valuable resource into account. We would like to acknowledge the other counties and regions across the province that hosted similar meetings including Huron, Perth, Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Waterloo, Prince Edward and Northumberland. Similar events are already in the works, and OFA encourages other counties, especially those close to urban centres, to continue engaging with all levels of government to advocate for their regions. These meetings are an effective and efficient way to cultivate relationships and conversations among key leaders and decision-makers. It has been a valuable opportunity to share our sector’s challenges, successes and contributions as we work to strengthen global food security and our province’s supply chain. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected]
0 Comments
Applications are now open for youth aged 18 – 30 to apply for the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council. The Youth Council, which is hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is looking for candidates that are creative and outspoken with a passion for farming and food.
The Council will be comprised of 25 diverse youth from across the country, and will run for an 18-month term. This is an exciting opportunity for the next generation of leaders to get involved, and share their experiences and perspectives across the agri-food sector. The council is responsible for meeting with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, as well as other department officials to bring forward the issues and priorities of young people in food and farming. Here are the requirements for those interested in applying:
If you know someone that would make an excellent candidate, please share the details and encourage them to apply. The application deadline is March 22, 2022. Interested participants can apply here. More information can be found in the federal news release, here. Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Tel: 519.821.8883 Ext. 218 Fax: 519.821.8810 Cell: 519.994.2578 By Larry Davis, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture The importance of safety on the farm can never be understated. These are vital conversations that need to be prioritized every day of the year. Whether you’re out on the roadways or working in the barn, it’s important to ensure that you, your family and your employees practice farm safety. Each year, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) designates one week in March to raise awareness on the importance of practicing safety on and off the farm. As we gear up to recognize Canadian Agricultural Safety Week running March 13-19, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture wants to highlight the tremendous number of resources our farmers can access to ensure care and protection around the farm remains top of mind this planting season and beyond. The importance of farm safety cannot be overstated, especially during the busy planting and harvesting seasons. While farmers across the province are working tirelessly to plan and prepare for the upcoming growing season, we’d like to remind all farmers of proper farm safety procedures to practice in your daily routine. Road safety has always been a top priority for OFA. With increased numbers of farm vehicles and equipment hitting the roadways soon, we ask that our members remember the rules of the road and take the time to put safety first. Not only do we want to ensure the safety of our farming community, but we also want to make sure the motorists we intersect with get home safe to their families. When driving on roadways, be sure to have your farm equipment on the paved portion of the road – not the shoulder. We also remind members to stay alert and focused while operating any sort of vehicle on the road. Keep off your phones and avoid situations that cause distractions. For farm equipment, be sure there is a visible slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign on all pieces of machinery, including 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. This year, to continue raising awareness on the importance of understanding and respecting SMV signs, OFA intends on creating a promotional campaign to be shared with federations to further educate their communities. Along with road safety, OFA encourages members to take the time to educate themselves, their families and employees on adequate on-farm safety practices. CASA has created several online resources for farmers looking to brush up on everyday safety procedures specific to farm businesses. These practical, hands-on resources can help keep everyone safe from planting to harvest. Another beneficial resource available to farmers is Feeding Your Future’s Ontario Agriculture Worker Safety and Awareness Certificate. This introductory training course was developed to help educate agri-food employees on farm safety practices. The course is packed with basic safety and creates the opportunity for new workers to understand on-farm hazards. The course also includes a module on the proper use of hand and power tools commonly used in agri-food businesses. Along with basic safety knowledge, the certificate program also offers training modules focused on mental health and wellness in agriculture. Expanding awareness of mental wellness in an agricultural workplace and providing resources to get help is extremely important for new workers. When talking about on-farm safety, mental health is just as important as physical safety practices. That means to keep everyone safe on the farm also means checking in on the emotional and mental well-being of family members and employees. Ensure that you are putting mental wellness first – when you’re tired, learn to take breaks and rest. Practice self-care by making time for the activities you enjoy and spending time with loved ones. Self-care might seem selfish, but it is proven to help reduce burnout and ensures you show up ready to give tasks your best effort. OFA is encouraging all our members to use these online resources and practice farm safety every week. Let’s all do our part to ensure families across the province have a safe and successful growing season. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] OFA encourages farming community to add mental wellness to their spring planting preparations3/10/2022 By Crispin Colvin, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture The days are becoming longer, brighter and as the snow melts a busy planting season looms ahead for Ontario’s farming community. Many of us have waited in anticipation for the warmer temperatures and spent the winter months planning our crops, ordering inputs and ensuring our equipment is ready for when spring’s favourable weather gives us the green light. However, as we prepare our business to perform to the best of its ability, we often forget that the farm’s most valuable asset is the people. As farmers, we automatically assess our livestock and evaluate if they have over-wintered well or need additional support. It is second nature to regularly monitor them for physical or mental changes, and to check for equipment that requires maintenance, but the people involved in the farm can benefit from maintenance and check-ins, too. The full steam ahead pace of planting is stressful, sometimes all-consuming as your year’s success and livelihood is completely dependent on a short window of time to get crops in the ground. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) understands the unique stressors of farming and wants to remind our farming families of the mental health resources, training and supports readily available. We encourage everyone to incorporate mental health and wellness into their spring planting preparations by reaching out and accessing these resources, having conversations with friends and family or self-monitoring your level of energy and fatigue. It is important to take the time to do a self-assessment of how you are both physically, mentally and look out for your community. Asking yourself a few simple questions can help you better understand your current state of mind. For example, how have you and your loved ones fared this winter? Are you optimistic for the future or running low on hope, optimism and energy? Are you looking forward to planting season or feeling overwhelmed with the unpredictability of weather, increasing costs and potential market volatility? OFA has long advocated for mental health programs, tools, resources and supports that primarily focus on the unique stressors and needs of farmers. Recently, we have seen our efforts come to fruition with the development and launch of the In the Know program and the Farmer Wellness Initiative. Farmers are resilient, but it is important to recognize when you or someone you know needs help. In the Know training can help in identifying stress, depression, anxiety, substance misuse and empower you to start conversations around mental well-being. The training was developed in partnership with stakeholder groups that included OFA, government representatives, social work, psychology, epidemiology and education. In the Know is a mental health literacy program developed at the Ontario Veterinary College, created specifically to educate the agricultural community. The facilitators provide a four-hour mental health literacy workshop tailored to farmers and producers. With support from OFA, the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario branches offer this training across the province in rural and agricultural communities. Who should take this course? In the Know training is meant for all farmers, producers and persons who often interact with the agriculture sector. Family members, peers, veterinarians, breeders, farm input providers, financial advisors, accountants and community members are all encouraged to complete the course. In August of 2021, Middlesex Federation of Agriculture (MFA) hosted In the Know training for local directors and members. Participant Lucia Minten-Lilbourne commented that, “Mental health and wellness is an area that has always been of concern, however, has more recently come to the forefront. The opportunity to be part of a discussion has provided me with confidence to open a conversation, and an understanding of how to recognize someone who may be struggling.” Minten-Lilbourne encounters many farmers in her multiple roles in the agricultural community, including serving as the staff coordinator for MFA. She says, “Now I feel more aware and have the resources and contacts I need to direct others to a professional.” As an organization, we have had 10 staff representatives complete a session of facilitator training, alongside CMHA-Ontario mental health trainers, which has been invaluable to their role assisting members with on-farm issues. We continue to support In the Know by providing agricultural context to these workshops and promoting upcoming sessions to our membership. Several county and regional federations have already collaborated with CMHA-Ontario to organize workshops in their area. Many of these workshops are scheduled to take place in March and April. Check our calendar of events online to find out if In the Know is coming to your community – https://ofa.on.ca/events/. For more individual support, the Farmer Wellness Initiative offers farmers across Ontario and members of their household access to up to four free counselling sessions with a mental health professional. These mental health professionals have received training to understand the unique needs of Ontario farmers. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in English and French, farmers can call 1-866-267-6255 to speak to a counsellor. This project is provided with funding by the governments of Canada and Ontario, including support from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative. To enquire about sessions in a community near you, or to set up a session for your club or organization, please visit https://ontario.cmha.ca/intheknow/. We encourage all members of the farming community to add these mental wellness tools to your toolbox as you plan and prepare for the busy season ahead. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] |
Archives
April 2024
Categories |