Overview
Overview
While the average age of an Ontario farm operator is 56.7 years old, multiple generations may work on the farm. Understanding the demographics of farmers in more detail will help target programming and services by:
- Age
- Whether they have off-farm income (e.g. time of day programs are scheduled)
- Whether they have children (e.g. availability of childcare)
- Business interests (e.g. on-farm diversification, specialty crops, online retailing)
Succession Planning
Succession planning can involve the transfer of knowledge, skills, labour, management, control or ownership of the farm business. It can be tough for any farm family to sit down and start a discussion about succession planning and transitioning the family farm. Each family farm business is unique, and no single approach works for everyone.
OFA is working to help members start the difficult conversation through a partnership with Farm Life, beginning with a complimentary consultation. Farm Life brings farm families together to have courageous conversations about the future of their farm and works with families to build continuity through succession, transition and tax efficient estate plans.
OFA Position
OFA believes that new and beginning farmers should have access to programming that assists them in operating a successful farm business. Business Risk Management (BRM) programs have been designed to enable beginning farmers to take advantage of these programs.