By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture This past week, Ontario’s farmers gathered for the annual meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). It’s a business meeting for the organization and the opportunity for members from across Ontario to debate resolutions and help shape the direction of OFA policy and activity for the year ahead. It’s a process I’ve been part of myself for many years, first as an OFA member, and for the last 10 years, as a provincial director representing fellow farmers from Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth and Niagara. This year, I was also elected as OFA’s 33rd president. It’s an honour to lead this organization and it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. My family and I farm in the southeast corner of the city of Hamilton, near the community of Binbrook, where we milk cows; grow corn, soybeans, wheat and hay; and raise beef cattle and Clydesdale horses. I also operate a dealership selling corn and soybean seed to local farmers. Volunteering in my community has always been important to me, whether it’s with the Binbrook Agricultural Society, the Hamilton-Wentworth Soil and Crop Improvement Association or chairing Hamilton’s agriculture and rural affairs sub-committee. I first became involved with OFA because I had a desire to represent the farmers in my area and work on their behalf to ensure a strong future for agriculture. OFA is an advocacy organization, and we develop and comment on policy that affects farmers and rural communities with the goal of making those policies more relevant and workable for farm businesses. Looking ahead to the coming year, I see the OFA continuing to work on many issues that have dominated the calendar in 2023. Land use and urban sprawl are hot topics, for example. We are losing productive farmland in Ontario at rates that are unsustainable – an average of 319 acres a day, according to the latest Census of Agriculture numbers. That’s land that produces food, fuel, fibre and flowers, supports jobs, preserves wildlife habitats and makes positive environmental contributions. It’s been encouraging to see some of the changes we’ve seen lately by the provincial government to help preserve farmland from development, and we hope to keep that momentum going. We’re also going to see a continued focus on the environmental sustainability issues around agriculture. That includes emission reductions to support climate change mitigation, policies and programs to support even more widespread adoption of soil health practices and addressing water quality and management. At the same time, we must ensure that farms can also stay economically sustainable, so we’ll continue to raise awareness of concerns around profitability, and the impact rising input and production costs, carbon tax and high interest rates is having on our ability to farm competitively and produce food here in Ontario. We must communicate as efficiently and effectively as possible with government, our industry partners and our own members across Ontario. That means listening to the other sides, as well as sharing information. At the end of the day, our goal is to do what’s right and make the best decisions for Ontario farmers. Our board has also elected a new Executive Committee, and we welcomed four new board members to the table last week. I’m excited to work with this team and to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. One thing I’ve learned in my last 10 years as a board director with OFA is that none of us can do this alone. Collaboration and partnership are key to successful outcomes, and I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors. We all have to pull in the same direction to make this organization and this industry work to its best potential, and while we may not always be in agreement, we all want the same outcome: a strong, healthy and sustainable farmer and farming sector in the province of Ontario. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected]
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By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture For Ontario’s largest general farm organization, it almost goes without saying that the last year has been a busy one. I’ve served as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for three years, and as I look back on the last 12 months, I’m proud of the many places we’ve been able to speak, present, comment and testify to share the voice of agriculture and help make things better for farmers in Ontario. This includes important discussions on food security, fertilizer, taxation, environment, farmland preservation and ensuring our ability to take care of animals, and although many of those conversations are ongoing, I’m also proud of the wins we were able to chalk up this year. The provincial government announced funding for soil health, veterinary capacity and rural infrastructure; we were able to help ensure that federal fertilizer tariffs paid by farmers were returned back to agriculture; and a federal bill expanding carbon tax exemptions for farmers is now before the Senate. As well, a broad-based coalition of farm and agricultural organizations joined together to convince the province to not proceed with its three-lot severance proposal, and farmland that was designated for development is now returning to agricultural zoning in the Greenbelt. Another highlight is the ongoing work in promoting farmer wellness and the mental health services and supports that are now available to all Ontario farmers and their families for whatever issues they may be facing. Our organization continues to support and share mental health awareness in whatever ways we can, from a conversation with a friend or a member, running a media campaign or working a booth at an event. If we can make a difference in some way, OFA wants to do that. I must emphasize that the OFA did none of this alone. We have worked closely with many different partners in all these discussions, and we’ve found ways to engage with organizations and businesses that we haven’t in the past – working together makes all of us stronger. This past year has the been my last as OFA’s president and as I step down from leading this organization this week, I can’t help but reflect on the last three years of being a leader during both COVID and non-COVID times. I became president during a global pandemic, which brought tremendous change and challenge for all of us, but also pushed us to do things differently. Connection with our farmers and our local federations became a priority and we tried new things. For example, we introduced virtual lunches with the presidents of our county and regional federations of agriculture during the pandemic as a way to keep members across Ontario engaged and connected when face-to-face interactions were impossible. It was and continues to be a great opportunity to have conversations with our federations around the province, understand local challenges, share or develop resources if there was a need and ensure ongoing member engagement. Although it’s not the only way we like to communicate, it’s reflective of our new reality. I’ve enjoyed these virtual meetings, which have become a successful initiative for the OFA, and hope to see this tradition continue. I know I’m leaving the organization in good hands. The board and the staff are a strong team who are dedicated to our industry and our members and regardless of the issue at hand, our way forward will include conversations that are familiar and ones that are new in support of OFA’s overall mission of ensuring Farms and Food Forever. I’m very proud of the work we’ve done together, of the trust people have placed in me and of being chosen by my peers to lead this organization. It’s been an honour to serve as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Bruce Buttar, Jennifer Doelman & Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Directors, Ontario Federation of Agriculture The annual convention of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will take place the third week of November. As we do every year, it’s where OFA members and voting delegates get together to deal with the business of the organization. This year, however, the event will hold a special poignancy for the three of us: we’re all stepping back from our positions as directors on the OFA board with approximately 30 years of service to the organization between us. And that’s not counting the many years we’ve each spent – and in some cases continue to spend – volunteering with our local federations of agriculture. Here’s who we are: Bruce Buttar – I’m a fifth-generation farmer from the Cobourg area, farming together with my wife Cindy. I represented farmers in my area on the OFA board from 1998 to 2007, and have served as the OFA director for Hastings, Lennox & Addington, Northumberland and Prince Edward counties since 2012. Being a provincial director has been a fulfilling experience, giving me the opportunity to work with knowledgeable and dedicated board colleagues and advocate for one of Ontario’s biggest economic sectors. I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with many MPs and MPPs, and I’ve really enjoyed working with the OFA in the four counties I represent, helping them to solve everyday problems and be more successful in running their farming businesses. It’s definitely been a rewarding and exciting period in my agricultural career. Jennifer Doelman – I’m a cash crop and forage grower, beekeeper and college instructor in Eastern Ontario. I farm with my husband Michael and have been part of the OFA board since 2020 as the representative from Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa and Renfrew. Joining the OFA board during the pandemic had its challenges, but it also dropped barriers to leadership by letting me participate in a provincial organization far from home without a five-hour commute or worry about arranging childcare. Being a director has been a phenomenal experience and a great way to better understand both the diverse landscape of Ontario agriculture and the workings of the different layers of government who directly impact our farm businesses. I’ve enjoyed sharing my perspectives as a woman farmer from Eastern Ontario with my colleagues, but it’s been especially rewarding to be able to encourage other farmers from my area to step into leadership roles. Jackie Kelly-Pemberton – I raise beef cattle near Winchester with my husband Steven and was first elected to represent farmers from Dundas, Frontenac, Grenville and Leeds on the OFA board in 2017. It’s been an amazing experience to work with such a like-minded group of leaders who share my passion for agriculture and our desire to have our industry succeed. I quickly learned about the incredible amount of work the OFA board and staff do to stay on top of evolving priorities, respond to proposed policy changes and just simply stay informed on the key issues of the day. From rail and seaway strikes to farmland preservation, climate action calls and a global pandemic, it’s never been boring, and one of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the increased collaboration between farm organizations when it comes to addressing issues of common interest. What’s been most rewarding has been the opportunity to influence and change public perceptions about agriculture. We may not always agree, but we can always share an understanding of common values. All of us would be remiss in not also mentioning that a fourth member of the OFA board will also be stepping down: Peggy Brekveld, who’s been serving as our president for the last three years and who will be sharing her own reflections on her time with the organization in the days to come. We will miss our OFA colleagues as we hand our roles over to our successors and turn our focus to other aspects of our lives. We wish them well in what will be the sometimes challenging but always rewarding experience that lies ahead. And to our fellow farmers who may be thinking about taking on a leadership role, whether volunteering for a committee or becoming a director with the OFA or another farm organization, all three of us have the same advice: just do it. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Larry Davis, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Every year in November, members of Ontario’s largest general farm organization, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), come together for their annual convention. I farm near Burford and I’ve represented farmers from Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties on the OFA’s provincial board of directors for more than 30 years. As directors and as an organization, our job is making sure that the voices, concerns and needs of farmers and rural communities are heard by decision-makers – a job we do through direct advocacy with elected officials, political staff and bureaucrats from all three levels of government, as well as others with similar interests or common goals. The convention, which will be in Toronto this year, is our opportunity to showcase what the OFA has done throughout the past year on behalf of its members. It’s here where our delegates from all over Ontario have the opportunity to raise issues and debate resolutions as they set policy and shape the direction of the OFA’s activities for the year ahead. The convention is also about education. Along with dealing with the business of the organization, the event always offers a good line up of interesting and topical speakers, as well as the opportunity to participate in seminars that delve more deeply into the issues of the day. This year, we’ll be hearing from Senator Rob Black, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, and MPP John Vanthof, who is the critic for agriculture, food and rural affairs for Ontario’s official opposition. Kelly Dobson from LeaderShift Inc. will talk about how farmers can unleash the untapped potential of their farm operation, and comedian Derek Edwards will look at the lighter side of life. Workshops will focus on deadstock management, robotics in agriculture, working with land use planners and engaging with government and media. We’ll also be electing the final member of our board of directors for the coming year as delegates vote for the position of Director-at-Large and recognizing the future of our industry by presenting the five winners of the annual OFA bursary program. In addition to business and education, the convention is also a wonderful networking opportunity. It’s a chance to meet and chat with fellow farmers, as well as other industry organizations that OFA works closely with, and even representatives from OFA’s benefit program partners. I’ve been attending annual OFA conventions since the late 1980s and over the years, there has definitely been a trend towards including more educational opportunities. We’ve also added the Ontario Young Farmers’ Forum to give people aged 18 to 40 who are interested or involved in agriculture a chance to learn more about the industry. There has also been a change in the demographic of OFA convention delegates. We’re not just seeing younger people come forward to take on leadership opportunities, but the role of women has also changed significantly. As the number of female farm operators has grown – according to the latest Canadian census data, 31% of Ontario’s farmers are women – we’ve also seen more women become involved with the OFA as delegates, local leaders, and directors at the provincial level. In fact, our organization has been led for the last three years by Peggy Brekveld, a dairy farmer from Thunder Bay who has had a long involvement with the OFA in many different capacities. Agriculture is a major contributor to the provincial economy, but farmers make up only a small percentage of Ontario’s population. Organizations like the OFA give farmers an opportunity to come together, lend strength to their individual voices and help the industry shape a future that will ensure “Farms and Food Forever”. For more information about the annual meeting, check out the AGM resources below: For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] |
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