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By Peter Lambrick, Board Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Field work took on a different meaning this week for Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) staff and directors. We set aside our work on the business of farming for a day to tour MPPs through apple and blueberry orchards and an apple packing plant in Durham region. It was the 2015 OFA Field Day and we were showcasing a slice of the diverse, innovative sector that drives the provincial economy. MPPs from all three parties attended including Agriculture Minister Jeff Leal, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, NDP Agriculture Critic John Vanthof and PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett. The OFA Field Day was hosted by Kirk Kemp of Algoma Orchards and Charles Stevens of Wilmot Orchards, near Newcastle, about an hour north of Toronto. MPPs and staff were taken on a private tour and talk through these operations and learned about the way these two farm businesses add value to the economy, the consumer and the local community. Standing out in the orchard provided the perfect backdrop to have conversations with politicians about issues that really matter to Ontario agriculture. Hosting the Field Day event gives us the opportunity to show, and not just tell, the importance of our industry to the provincial economy. We highlighted four topics that are on the minds of many Ontario farmers – energy rates, infrastructure support, farmland preservation and pollinator health. Our messages are direct and simple on these issues. We are asking the government for more competitive energy rates, to be more in line with neighbouring areas, to keep the farming and rural sector competitive. We continue to push for an expansion of natural gas infrastructure throughout rural Ontario as part of better infrastructure support. As the government reviews four key land use plans, we are reminding them of the need to always prioritize the protection of farmland – our greatest resource. And we continue to push the provincial government for a comprehensive pollinator health strategy. Some of the best conversations to advocate for our industry are the unscripted ones that happen in a casual setting. Like an apple orchard. What better atmosphere to reiterate the significant contributions that the Ontario agri-food industry contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of Ontarians. Our sector is driving the Ontario economy. And we will continue to show politicians about the important opportunities that are happening all around them, just outside of town. For more information, contact: Peter Lambrick Board Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 905-875-6063 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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By Rejean Pommainville, Board Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Storytelling has become the preferred method for talking about the agriculture industry, especially with our consumers who have less and less connections to agriculture. The faces and stories of real farmers are populating marketing campaigns for eggs, milk and more, as authentic spokespeople for our industry. YouTube and social media present novel opportunities to get the view and views of farming before an otherwise disengaged audience. And for the second year in a row, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is encouraging members to have a little fun and put themselves in the storytelling spotlight with its 2015 Reel Farm Video Challenge. The video challenge grew up from a grassroots initiative, originating in Bruce County, with support from several local federations this year in Simcoe County, Perth County and Lanark. The initiative is hosted by OFA’s Proud to Lead team with support from Farm Credit Canada. The premise is simple. And the idea is to have fun while informing about farming and farmers. We want to know why you are proud to be an Ontario farmer. But don’t just tell us. Rant it or sing it. Videos can be a positive, agricultural rant-style video or a farm-themed music parody. After that, get as creative as you can with the content. Videos must be submitted to OFA by October 15, and winning entries in each of the two categories are up for $1,000 first place cash prizes. All the details are available at ofa.on.ca/videochallenge, where you can also see last year’s winning entries for a little inspiration. So get out your smart phone. Turn on your agricultural charm. And tell a story about why you are proud to be a farmer in Ontario. For more information, contact: Rejean Pommainville Board Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 613-793-2849 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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