By Mark Reusser, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture This week, farm leaders from across Canada are gathering in Ottawa for the annual general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). It’s our opportunity once a year to get together as farmers from across the country and share our concerns and priorities on issues that are national in scope – like trade, climate change or soil health to name just a few – in hopes of coming up with solutions that will work for everyone. I farm in Waterloo Region and am a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Our organization is an active member in the CFA, and I’ll be one of the delegates participating in that conference in Ottawa. Just like our provinces and regions differ from each other, so does farming in each of those areas; the west is more heavily cattle and field crop-focused, from canola and wheat to peas, lentils and more, whereas eastern Canada is stronger in soybeans, corn, dairy, poultry and fruits and vegetables. Knowing and understanding each other’s differences is key to being able to work together for the greater good of our entire sector, and the opportunity to make those connections face-to-face helps strengthen those relationships. It’s at this meeting that we debate and approve resolutions that will help shape the direction of the CFA’s national advocacy priorities that make up the backbone of outreach activities with federal elected officials, political staff and bureaucrats. That’s also why gathering in Ottawa is strategically important; it’s where decisions on policy that impacts our sector are made and we use this opportunity to not only meet with some of those stakeholders, but also invite them to join us at our convention, whether it’s for a workshop, plenary session or informal social event. This year’s agenda, for example, features speakers from all four major federal political parties, including remarks from the federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, Lawrence MacAulay. Many of us meet with our own Member of Parliament locally, but we don’t often get the opportunity to speak directly with MPs from other regions – or to meet with members of the Senate, who’ve recently started taking on a much more prominent role in shaping Canadian legislation. This is our chance to make a connection and help raise their awareness of the importance of the farming sector to all aspects of Canadian society and our economy. In some ways, you could say that the CFA annual conference is all about the future. For example, joining the OFA at this national meeting this year are five young Eastern Ontario farmers who are actively involved in the industry and building their future in our sector. We’ve invited them to join us so they can see firsthand what the key issues are that affect farm businesses nationwide, how the sector is being proactive in trying to address them, and why advocacy and relationship building is so important. It’s also about addressing the issues that are important to the future of the agriculture sector. Interest rates, inflation and high food costs are top of mind struggles for Canadians currently, and they’re big challenges for farmers too. We also worry about trade agreements; federal policy directions on everything from carbon to plastics reduction; challenges with global and domestic supply chains; or the impact of world events on our export markets and cost of what we call inputs – the items we need to grow crops and raise livestock, like fertilizer or feed ingredients, for example. Other issues are more regional in nature, with drought in the west and urbanization pressures on farmland in the east as just two examples, but ultimately, they all highlight the need for a greater and more coordinated federal focus on agriculture. Our sector is unique – with the right supports, whether financial or legislative, agriculture has solutions that can help address many of society’s biggest challenges, from climate change and carbon sequestration to hunger and food waste reduction. That’s why it’s important that the farm voice is united and present at the national tables where discussions take place and decisions are made. 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
By Clint Cameron, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Tax season is coming up and while it’s always important to stay on top of deadlines and new rules, there are changes to three specific federal tax filing requirements that farmers should pay particular attention to for 2024. Underused Housing Tax In 2022, the federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Act became law, putting a tax on the value of vacant and underused housing owned either directly or indirectly by people who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents. For the farming sector, the UHT’s onerous annual filing requirements and steep penalties for non-compliance, which ranged from $5,000-$10,000, were a major concern. Following advocacy from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and other organizations, the federal government announced the following proposed changes in its 2023 Fall Economic statement:
The proposed changes, which would apply for the 2023 tax year and beyond, still need to be introduced and passed through legislation in order to come into effect. Key takeaway for farmers: UHT still applies for the 2022 tax year, so any farmers who were required to file a UHT return for 2022 but have not yet done so, should file by April 30, 2024 to avoid penalties and interest. T3 reporting rules for federal trusts The federal government has introduced new reporting requirements for trusts, including those used in farm business and estate planning, that will take effect for taxation years ending after December 30, 2023.
Key takeaway for farmers: Farm businesses who use family trusts to hold private company shares, such as a farm corporation, as well as trusts used for estate planning or holding personal-use assets must now file an annual T3 return. Not sure if these rules apply to your farm? Consult a professional who is knowledgeable in farm trusts; filing unnecessarily can complicate estate planning and impose unintended legal and financial challenges. Electronic filing for HST returns becomes mandatory The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has implementing new electronic filing requirements for GST/HST returns starting in 2024 for anyone with a GST or HST number, with the exception of charities and a few listed financial institutions. For CRA purposes, electronic filing options include:
Key takeaway for farmers: for those without access to a computer or a reliable Internet connection, filing by phone using GST/HST TELEFILE is a valid electronic filing option. It can be a bit overwhelming to keep on top of the evolving tax landscape, so OFA has put together an easy-to-follow fact sheet that summarizes these key changes and where to go for more information. It’s downloadable on the OFA website. In addition to farming and running a business that offers services to farmers, I have also spent a large part of my career in the corporate world. So I’m no stranger to the paperwork that comes with being in business. Here are a few tips to make things easier at tax time:
For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture For any business owner, planning for the future involves serious decision-making about what will happen to the business. Whether transition to a next generation family member or sale to a new owner, the process requires careful thought and planning. For farmers, business transition or farm succession planning comes with some added layers of complexity. Most farmers live where they work, so it’s also about the family home, and in the case of a farm that’s been in the same family for multiple generations, an emotional attachment to the land and to family history can also be at play. It’s a daunting task, making it tough to know where to start and let’s be honest – most of us are uncomfortable facing the thought of our own mortality and of handing over control of what we’ve built to someone else. That’s why the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has teamed up with Farm Life Financial again this year to offer a Financial Literacy and Farm Succession Planning Roadshow for farmers with seven in-person education days across southern, central and eastern Ontario, as well as a virtual session. It’s a topic near and dear to my heart – having gone through a farm family succession process, I know firsthand how important it is, how hard it can be, and why proper planning is essential to keeping both the business going and the family together. My husband and I farm west of Stratford near the town of Mitchell where we raise broiler chickens and grow crops. We’ve taken over the day-to-day farm operations from my parents, but my mom is still involved in the business as an advisor and helps out when my other activities, like being a Vice President with the OFA, take me away from the farm. Our transition process started when my mom heard a presentation by a succession planning specialist in the U.S. who suggested farmers have to decide whether they are a business-first family or a family-first business. This means focusing on the future with a solid plan versus relying on tradition and assumption and hoping for the best. Together and individually, our family met with lawyers and accountants to figure out what our long-term vision and goals were for the farm; for my parents it was about the legacy of what they had built and for us as the next generation, it was about what we wanted to accomplish. This helped us build a solid plan that has served us well and although our son is only six, we are already thinking about what a future on the farm might look like for him – and how we might handle another transition if he decides farming isn’t where his heart lies. For the older generation of farmers looking to retirement, start your conversations early with both your kids who want to farm and those who don’t, and have a vision of how you want to see the future of the farm and how involved you want to continue to be in decision-making. Don’t just leave things in the will and hope for the best. The younger generation has to be willing to listen and come into the process with open ears and minds. Although you may have big plans for the future and how you want to put your stamp on the family business, you should respect that you’re taking over a legacy and the first cheque you write every year should be to the people who’ve made it possible for you to farm. Above all, both generations have to be flexible and willing to embrace change – and a certain amount of creativity may be needed to pull it all off. Succession plans take time, and they are emotional. As farmers, much of our identity is wrapped up in what we do and where we live, and it can be hard to think about a life that doesn’t involve running the farm. That’s why I believe it’s important to look to transition planning specialists for help and workshops like the OFA roadshow can be a great opportunity to start thinking about the process. More information on workshop dates and locations is available at ofa.on.ca. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Much is always made of the high average age of Canadian farmers, but there’s a quiet shift happening in agriculture that is changing the face of our industry. Quite literally, farming is in transition – and I’m one of many farmers right in the middle of it. Family farms are still a huge part of what Ontario agriculture looks like, but like so many Canadians, a growing number of farmers are facing retirement. That means they’re now following succession plans to turn the management and ownership of their farm businesses over to a new generation. That’s exactly the situation that I find myself in. I’m 37 and I’ve been involved in our family dairy and grain farm my entire life. My wife and I and my parents have recently worked through our farm business transition plans as we look to set our family farm up for a better future. Farm succession is an onerous and challenging task, but one that is absolutely necessary for the sustainability of farm businesses as many farmers enter the later stages of their careers. With a plan in place, we can now make investments – like a state-of-the-art dairy barn – that we hope will help make it possible for our young daughters to farm when they grow up if that’s what they’d like to do. My family is also reflective of another new reality for many farmers and that’s farming close to an urban area. Our farm is near the town of Binbrook in a rural part of the City of Hamilton and while that brings opportunities, it also often means that the needs of farm businesses get lost in the larger urban issues that dominate the agendas of local decision-makers. In addition to farming, I’m also heavily involved with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). I believe it’s important to give back to the industry that sustains us, and late last fall, I became the youngest OFA president in the organization’s history. What you see in me is a lot of what you’ll see across agriculture in Ontario now – older farmers following succession plans and a next generation stepping up with visions for the future of their farm businesses and in some cases, also the broader farming sector. You’ll also see that reflected in a growing number of my fellow OFA board members and in the leadership of other agricultural organizations where a new, young generation of farmers is starting to take an active role in representing their industry and helping to shape its future for the decades to come. Agriculture’s next generation is bringing fresh ideas and raising different perspectives on everything from sustainability and climate change to public trust, mental health and wellness and more. We look forward with optimism and while we are making investments in the future of our businesses and our industry, it’s a road we can’t go alone. We need to know that Canadians see benefit in strong farms and rural communities, value a local food supply system that brings the sustainability and environmental stewardship benefits that farms provide, and support us by buying local. And to meet the ambitious goals of the province’s Grow Ontario strategy and to protect our future ability to continue to produce as much food, fuel and fibre right here at home, we also need government to step forward and support our sector. That support can come in various ways, whether through sound, forward-thinking policies and legislation or with financial investments into much-needed infrastructure, resources and programming that will support farming’s long-term sustainability and profitability. We’ve brought some of these ideas directly to government by participating in the provincial budget consultations that are currently happening across Ontario: Supporting home grown food production by encouraging government and public sector agencies to buy more local food and beverages, increasing funding to the provincial Risk Management Program that helps farmers manage uncertainty, and addressing the agri-food sector’s chronic labour shortages. Modernizing farm tax programs and development charges to support continued farm business transition, growth and expansion. Investing in rural and social infrastructure, such as rural roads and bridges, affordable energy and high-speed broadband, and education, healthcare and community hubs for rural communities. Improving soil health and water stewardship by continuing funding for the Ontario Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy and the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program. Strengthening Ontario’s veterinary sector by investigating additional short- and long-term strategies to help solve the lack of veterinary capacity in Ontario. Agriculture has a long, proud history in Ontario and I’m excited be part of shaping its next chapters. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Bill Groenheide, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Issues around food security, rural infrastructure and responsible long-term land use planning were front and centre at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) annual conference this past week. These are all issues that are challenges for Ontario’s rural communities – but they’re also issues that deeply concern and impact Ontario’s agriculture sector. With the majority of Ontario’s 444 municipalities being either rural or bordering on rural communities, the annual gathering of municipal leaders and stakeholders is one that representatives from our organization, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), have participated in for many years. We’ve always been there to advocate for issues that matter to farmers like farmland preservation, rural infrastructure and economic development that is distributed more evenly across all regions of the province. This year, however, the issues that we care about and that matter to our members were also on the agenda for rural municipal leaders. A headline panel discussion focused on Feeding the Future of Ontario included topics like the critical importance of food security and planning for land uses with a long-term lens, and OFA’s president, Drew Spoelstra, was one of the panelists. I farm in northern Ontario just outside of Thunder Bay, and in addition to being on the OFA board of directors, I’m also a municipal councillor in our area. So I’m very familiar with the issues facing rural communities like housing, infrastructure and health care – many of which are even more acute in northern Ontario. For many municipalities, agriculture and food production is not formally represented in their policies and plans – which often means there can be unintended negative consequences for farm businesses when legislative or bylaw decisions are made. A big reason why OFA attends this event every year is to help raise awareness of our sector by making connections and building relationships with decision makers to help bring issues that impact the farming community to the forefront. The ROMA conference attracts not just municipal leaders but also provincial politicians and last week, OFA representatives had the chance to meet with different cabinet ministers as well as representatives from all major provincial political parties. This was my first time attending the ROMA conference and it was gratifying to see the interest from fellow delegates in the agriculture industry and the important role we play in the provincial economy. With nearly 50,000 farms across Ontario, the agri-food sector contributes $47 billion a year to the provincial economy, employs about 10% of Ontario’s workers and exports $20 billion in agri-food products annually. To keep this sector profitable and productive, we need to ensure rural communities remain healthy, vibrant and viable. This can be done through: Improving rural infrastructure and services. This means continued and expanded investments into rural roads and bridges, high speed internet and reliable cellular services, and affordable energy. It also means increased social infrastructure including local schools, healthcare and community hubs that will attract workers and their families to rural Ontario and help alleviate critical labour shortages. Planning for housing affordability and responsible long-term land use. This includes developing and implementing policies that limit the loss of agricultural land, intensify residential development in Ontario’s existing urban footprint, and encourage smart growth and development that will meet the current and future needs of Ontarians and the provincial economy. Boosting rural economic development. Foster economic development in all areas of Ontario by supporting more agri-tourism and local food offerings in our communities, which in turn will create jobs. This includes, for example, encouraging the broader public sector, such as long-term care facilities and educational institutions, to include more locally grown food products in their purchasing decisions. Attending events like ROMA gives farmers the opportunity to share our messages, but it also gives us a better understanding of what elected officials and administrators are facing when making difficult decisions and enacting policy. By working collaboratively, we can help ensure Farms and Food Forever, which will benefit all Ontarians today and for future generations. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Clint Cameron, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture I’ve been involved in the agriculture community in various ways throughout my entire life, and this past fall, I stepped into a new role as a director on the provincial board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). It’s an exciting challenge and I’m keen to put my skills and experiences to work for Ontario’s farming sector. My background is a little different than that of most of my fellow board members, but that’s precisely where I believe I can help make a difference and bring some new perspectives to the OFA’s advocacy efforts and collaborative partnership building. Let me tell you how I got there. I was raised on a farm near Cardinal, a small Eastern Ontario community on the shores of the St Lawrence between Brockville and Cornwall. I grew up haying and working as a relief milker on the many dairy farms in our area, as well as riding, showing and judging Quarter Horses on the U.S and Eastern Canadian show circuit until I was in my 20s. After graduating from the University of Ottawa with a degree in criminology and administration, I worked at Newell, maker of popular brands like Rubbermaid and Coleman, for a few years before joining Ottawa-based Nortel as part of their global program management team, where I had responsibilities for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific Rim. It was during this time I also completed a postgraduate program in finance at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. My next career move brought me back to my roots with a senior position at Casco – now Ingredion – a corn, starch, sugar and animal feed processor in my hometown of Cardinal, where I was responsible for procurement, operations and inbound logistics. In 2016, I left the corporate world and returned full-time to my family’s farming roots, which includes growing corn, soybeans and hay on about 500 acres, and supporting my mom, Bonnie Cameron, with her spotted and dappled Boer goat breeding business. I also bought a local custom agricultural services business, where we specialize in custom farm work and land clearing activities. Around that same time, I became a local director on the board of the Grenville Federation of Agriculture. I’ve been a supporter of OFA and its work my whole life – you could say that Farms and Food Forever is engrained in my family – so it seemed like a natural thing to do to become more involved in the industry. Last year, I was approached by my predecessor about letting my name stand for a spot on the provincial OFA board representing farmers in the counties of Dundas, Frontenac, Grenville and Leeds. It was an opportunity for me to step out of the tractor cab and be involved in the agri-food sector in a new way. The strength of an organization lies in the diversity of perspectives among its leadership. Our board members raise livestock, grow crops, run on-farm stores for consumers or agricultural supply businesses, are involved with municipal politics and local fall fairs, or have specialized expertise in fields like agronomy, for example. We each also bring our personal networks to the board table, whether that’s relationships with politicians, or involvement in other organizations. Last year, for example, I also became a member of the management committee at the Port of Johnstown, one of Eastern Ontario’s premier ports for truck, sea and rail shipping and receiving of grains, salt, aggregate and cargo. As we were all quickly reminded of last fall during the St. Lawrence Seaway strike, our agri-food sector and indeed our entire provincial economy depends heavily on well resourced and well-functioning infrastructure, which includes our ports and marine transport. Farmers make up on a small percentage of our population, yet the work that we do is essential in keeping our society functioning smoothly, from producing food and fuel to creating jobs and maintaining the economic and social fabric of communities away from Ontario’s major urban centres. To me, that means we also have a responsibility to preserve – and grow – agriculture to the best of our abilities. That’s the goal of the OFA, and as one of 18 voices around our board table, I am proud to represent the farmers in my area and support our collective advocacy, collaboration and partnership efforts. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Brian Crews, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture At first glance, most people might find it hard to believe that a City of Toronto firefighter can also be an Ontario dairy farmer. After all, the demands of serving as a first responder in Canada’s largest city are pretty far removed from life in rural Ontario and working with livestock as part of a multi-generational family business. And yet, that’s me. I’ve been a Toronto firefighter for more than 30 years – working 24-hour shifts – while also farming in Northumberland County east of Toronto together with my parents, Carl and Helena, my wife Cyndi Down, and our son Andrew, who is the ninth generation on our family’s farm. It was during the pandemic that a fellow farmer in our area approached me about becoming involved with our local Northumberland Federation of Agriculture. There are many issues facing farmers in Ontario today, from urban encroachment and land use planning challenges to business transition and ensuring agriculture can offer the next generation of farmers a sustainable future. They’re prevalent in our area for sure and with my retirement from the fire service no longer that far away, they also directly impact my family, our farm and our future – so I took the suggestion and joined the organization as a Northumberland County director. I quickly learned a lot about agricultural advocacy and how important it is for farmers to both be informed about the issues that impact their businesses and have their voice be in front of decision-makers. This led me to the decision last fall to put my name forward for a position on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Thanks to a successful election, I now represent the farmers of Lennox and Addington, Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward as their provincial director with OFA. My family’s long-reaching farming roots make me particularly passionate about preserving agricultural land, ensuring it continues to be farmed and keeping it from being fragmented into increasingly smaller parcels. It’s not just about maintaining that ability to produce our own food, fuel, and fibre close to home, however. It’s also about keeping our rural Ontario communities and their social fabric alive. With every farm that disappears, it becomes harder for local businesses like farm equipment suppliers, veterinary clinics and even coffee shops to keep their doors open. And as the population gradually declines, so does the availability of schools, medical services and community social supports. As part of a multi-generational family farm, I also feel strongly about business succession planning and about being able to maintain a competitive and successful agriculture industry that can offer an attractive and economically sustainable future to the next generation of farmers like our son. The dramatic increase in the price of land coupled with the threat of urban sprawl can make the decision to give up the family farm a financially attractive option, particularly for younger generations who are faced with an increasingly high cost of living and a desire for more work life balance than their parents or grandparents were able to have as farmers. Transition is a complex topic for any family business, but it’s particularly tough for farmers. The emotional ties that bind us to our land are strong because for us, our farms are more than just a business. They’re also our homes and where generations of our forebears have also lived and worked. I’m looking forward to spending the next three years as part of the board of an organization who tackles tough topics like these on a daily basis. And I’m particularly keen to encourage more of my fellow farmers to take a more active role in this organization too – just reading the county newsletter or attending a local meeting are good places to start. We need organizations like the OFA to advocate for farmers and to ensure our voice is being heard by the people making decisions and enacting policies that will impact our businesses and our families. Our voice is only as strong as our own involvement in our industry and in our organizations. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Angela Cammaert, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture I’ve always been a big believer in the idea that the more people work together, the more we can achieve. As a fifth-generation farmer raised in rural Ontario, I grew up with the belief that it’s always important to give back to the community you’re involved with, whether through service clubs, volunteerism, donating your skills and abilities to worthy causes, or stepping up to participate in leadership roles. That spirit of involvement and collaboration also drives my husband Dave and I in our farm business near the southwestern Ontario town of West Lorne, where we grow crops, raise cattle and sell beef from our farm directly to consumers. I spent time as a municipal councillor in West Elgin before becoming involved as a director with the Elgin Federation of Agriculture, where I soon became the organization’s Vice President and Chair of Land Use planning, as well as a mentor to young female farmers. Late last fall, I took on my newest community involvement leadership role when I was elected as a Director-at-Large for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). I was inspired to put my name forward for the position by the example of OFA’s recently retired president Peggy Brekveld, who so ably led the organization through the very tough pandemic years. Stepping forward to lead is never easy, particularly often for women, but she was a strong yet compassionate advocate for agriculture and dedicated to the ideas of collaboration and of building bridges between rural and urban communities. I also decided to run for an OFA director position because I feel strongly about the future of agriculture. As a farmer who sells food directly to consumers, I spend a lot of time answering the public’s questions in person and online about how food is produced and where it comes from – and I’m deeply familiar with the critical roles that farming plays in so many ways right across our society. It’s also important that agriculture’s voice is heard on major issues like land use planning and farmland preservation, for example, so we can ensure that our ability to produce food, fuel, fibre and flowers here in Ontario isn’t lost forever. A key part of that also lies with investment in critical infrastructure for rural Ontario. This means well-maintained roads and bridges, but it’s also about access to affordable energy like natural gas as well as social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, healthcare and community services. Better access to high-speed internet and fewer gaps in cellular coverage are also essential. Farmers are continually encouraged to modernize their systems and adopt new technologies, but in many parts of rural Ontario, the much-needed infrastructure to support that innovation simply isn’t there or can’t support the demand. It can be hard to use precision agriculture tools when the cell coverage needed to GPS fields isn’t available, or Internet service isn’t good enough to support technology needed to remotely monitor livestock. These are issues that the OFA has long worked on, and progress is definitely being made, but I welcome the opportunity, in my new role, to continue to advocate for positive change for farmers right across the province. I’m also looking forward to continuing the great work that OFA has done at building partnerships with other farm organizations in support of joint advocacy. When we bring people and organizations of different skills and backgrounds together to work towards common goals, we can make a lot of good things happen. For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 ext. 218 [email protected] By Paul Maurice, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture January marks the renewal season of membership in the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and there are a number of ways that farmers, farm businesses and agricultural organizations can hold a membership in the OFA. Most well-known is the Farm Business Registration membership. In Ontario, farms that have earned a gross income of at least $7,000 in the past year are required to register their business through Agricorp in order to qualify for certain programs and benefits. Registered farm businesses are eligible for the farm property class tax rate for farmland and farm vehicle license plates, as well as being able to apply for special government programs for agriculture. These include, for example, the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for losses to crops or livestock caused by wildlife, and government cost-share programs for initiatives boosting soil health and water quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions or protecting species at risk. Similar to how the federal government relies on data gathered through the Canadian Census to help with decision-making, the provincial government uses statistics and information generated through FBR to support agricultural program and policy development. With registration, farmers select a membership in one of Ontario’s three accredited farm organizations – and every year, they decide which organization they wish to belong to and support with their membership fee. Other forms of membership in the OFA include Individual Farm Membership, which represents individuals who are or have been directly involved in farming but who do not otherwise quality for Farm Business Registration. OFA is also pleased to include 29 agricultural and commodity organizations among our valued members. OFA is a strong believer in the power of partnerships and working together to achieve common goals. I’m a director on OFA’s provincial board, where I have represented farmers in Peel, Simcoe and York since 2021. My wife and I were dairy farmers in the small bilingual community of Lafontaine just west of Penetanguishene for 50 years, and today, we raise broiler chickens and grow crops together with our son, Alex, who is the fifth generation of our family on our farm. I’ve been a member of the OFA for decades, and I believe strongly in the value of farmers having a strong organization who can represent our sector and our issues with a united voice. Our advocacy work yields important outcomes for farm businesses and rural communities on topics as wide-ranging as taxation, farmland preservation, farmer wellness, rural infrastructure and supply chain resilience, to name just a few. As a provincial organization, our advocacy focuses primarily on the provincial government, but we are also active federally as members of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. As well, we dedicate resources to working with municipalities as a significant amount of legislation affecting farmers actually stems from local government. That’s why, for example, we make sure we participate in key events like the annual conferences of Economic Developers Council of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, the Ontario Good Roads Association, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and others. To put it simply, to me advocacy means being able to help people who affect our lives and our farming businesses understand who we are and what we do – and what impact their decisions have on those of us who produce food, fuel, fibre and flowers. This means working closely with our membership and local Federations and collaboratively with government, other farm organizations and industry partners to find and put the proper tools in place so that as farmers, we can keep our businesses profitable and efficient. And I like to think that OFA, who represents approximately 88% of Ontario’s farmers, is best positioned to be that leading, trusted voice for our sector. We appreciate the support of our members and their trust in us to represent their interests and turn their concerns into action that helps ensure Farms and Food Forever. For more information, contact: Rachelle Kerr Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-803-4957 [email protected] By Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture We’re only a short time away from the start of a new year, which for many of us, means not just a flip of the calendar but also an opportunity for new beginnings. For me, a new beginning started a month earlier in November, when I joined the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) board of directors for a three-year term as the representative for farmers in Lanark, Arnprior, Renfrew and Ottawa. As a farmer, an educator, and a broadcaster, I’m passionate about agriculture, life in rural Ontario and the people who live and work in it. It’s an exciting new chapter for me to become involved with a farm organization at the provincial level, and yet also a somewhat natural progression of activities I’ve been involved with for many years. I grew up on a small dairy farm near Carleton Place in Lanark County, and it’s where my husband and I still farm today, raising beef cattle and growing corn, soybeans and hay. In addition to farming, I worked for the city of Ottawa in parks and recreation and social services for over 30 years before retiring in 2014. I’ve been a member of the Lanark Federation of Agriculture for over 25 years, but it was retirement that led me to become more involved with the activities in the agriculture sector. I’ve held various roles with the Lanark Federation, including serving as president, and I’m also a member of the Lanark County Agriculture Committee. A few years ago, I was a guest on a local radio show on Valley Heritage Radio called Barnyard Breakdown. I was soon asked to co-host the show and since 2017, I’ve been the permanent host of the weekly show where we cover the latest in farming and agricultural news from the Ottawa Valley and beyond. A major blow to the agriculture sector in our area was the closure of the University of Guelph Kemptville campus in 2015. This ultimately led to the launch of an agricultural business program at Algonquin College in Ottawa in 2019. With previous teaching experience at Algonquin and my long-time involvement in the agriculture sector, I was tapped to be an instructor in the new program, where I now teach four courses. I’ve also always cared deeply about mental health, and almost 10 years ago, I became part of the first farmer stakeholder group for mental health research being conducted at the University of Guelph by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton and Briana Hagen. This research was foundational to the launch two years ago of the Farmer Wellness Initiative, which provides access to free counselling services and tailored mental health support and resources to all Ontario farmers and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With my deep background in social services and life-long living in rural Ontario, it probably comes as no surprise that I am passionate about wellness and socio-economic issues, from rural services and infrastructure to food security and farmland preservation. I also believe in collaboration and in communicating the story of Ontario agriculture. Farmers only account for a small percentage of our population, so it’s very important that the various organizations that make up our sector work together wherever possible. And we need to build connections with our fellow Ontarians who aren’t farmers or aren’t from rural communities. After all, the issues that we care about, like healthcare, housing, food, community and more, are ones that matter to them as well. These are all strategic priorities for the OFA, and I’m really looking forward to being an active part of an organization that advocates for farmers and rural communities, whether it’s highlighting the urgent need for physical and social infrastructure support in rural areas or underscoring the importance of preserving our ability to produce food right here at home. For more information, contact: Rachelle Kerr Communications Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-803-4957 [email protected] |
Archives
February 2024
Categories |