Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Ontario’s economy. Our farms and food businesses contribute more than $51 billion annually, support about 10% of the province’s jobs, and produce the food, fuel, fibre and flowers that Ontarians rely on every day.

This week, June 1 to 7, marks Local Food Week in Ontario — a time to celebrate the incredible diversity of food, fibre, fuel and flowers produced by farmers across our province.

Ontario farmers understand the importance of infrastructure. Strong transportation networks help move food, goods and people efficiently across the province, the country and around the world. Farmers rely on roads, rail and trade corridors every day to support our businesses and help feed Canadians.

For Ontario farmers, the arrival of the Census of Agriculture questionnaire this month comes during one of the busiest seasons of the year.

Across Ontario, spring planting season is slowly getting underway. For farmers, that means long days in the field and moving equipment between farms, fields and barns.

Across Ontario, municipal councils make decisions every day that shape the future of our communities — decisions about land use, infrastructure, services and local economies. With municipal elections coming up this October, there is an important opportunity in front of us: encouraging more farmers and rural leaders to step forward and run for council.

Last week, Ontario farmers delivered a clear and practical message to decision-makers at Queen’s Park: we grow an incredible range of food in this province, but too much of it leaves in its raw form, only to come back to us as a finished product. That’s a missed opportunity for farmers, for rural communities, and for Ontario’s economy.

Agriculture is one of Ontario’s leading industries, driving local economies, supporting jobs, and sustaining entire communities. Yet too often, the size and scope of agriculture isn’t fully understood by most people working outside of that sector.

As Earth Day approaches, it’s a good time to reflect on something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves but underpins everything we do in agriculture: our soils.

Throughout the winter, we travel across Ontario attending farm shows, conferences and meetings — including OFA’s Policy Advisory Council and Northern Caucus — to hear directly from our members and bring their concerns forward to decision-makers. As winter meeting season wraps up, a few clear themes have emerged.