Issue Details
Overview Investing in Ontario’s rural economy will grow all of Ontario and produce good jobs in family-oriented communities. To learn more about rural Ontario and its contribution to our economy, click here .
OFA encourages rural economic development policies and programs that support:
Attraction, retention and expansion of rural businesses, particularly for the agri-food sector
The expansion of agricultural operations into value-added agriculture, such as on-farm processing, direct farm marketing and agri-tourism
Youth retention and attraction initiatives to encourage a skilled workforce of tomorrow
Agricultural research and development stations and innovation hubs in rural areas, providing high-skilled jobs, technological advancements and enhanced productivity
Rural small business support services to encourage business incubation, innovation and entrepreneurship
Initiatives and opportunities to utilize crop residue feedstocks and purpose-grown crops to fuel the bioeconomy
Access to reliable broadband internet for business development and utilization of precision agriculture technology
Affordable natural gas access as a competitive necessity to attract and retain businesses in rural Ontario
Social infrastructure such as rural schools, health care, child care and community centres for the health and well-being of all rural residents
OFA advocates for rural economic development policies by:
Advocating for municipalities to take a leadership role in agriculture economic development initiatives using our resources on our website (www.ofa.on.ca/GrowAg) to grow the agricultural sector
Communicating with municipal staff, non-government organizations, regional provincial staff and the private sector on agricultural issues in partnership with OMAFRA through our Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Community of Practice
Campaigning for affordable natural gas access as a competitive necessity to attract and retain businesses in rural Ontario
Collaboration on initiatives such as the SWIFT network to expand access to reliable broadband internet across rural Ontario
Supporting the Agricultural System approach and the businesses and infrastructure that are linked to agriculture all along the value chain
Encouraging progress from the province’s Grow Ontario: a provincial agri-food strategy
OFA Position
OFA encourages vibrant and resilient rural communities through its commitment to rural economic development. Policies that support the economic well-being of rural Ontario will benefit farm families, the agri-food sector, and the broader provincial and national economy.
Submissions & Correspondence
OFA Submission re Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP) Review OFA submission to the Ministry of Transportation on the Southwestern Ontario Transportation Planning Study OFA submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the proposed changes to the Development Charges Act. OFA submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the proposed changes to the Planning Act and Municipal Act, 2001 through the proposed Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024. OFA submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the proposed policies for a new provincial planning policy instrument OFA submission to the Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs regarding consideration of Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 OFA Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) regarding the proposed legislative amendments to support municipal incentives for economic growth OFA Submission to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the Rural Economic Development Strategy consultation OFA submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs regarding Ontario’s 2024 Budget OFA submission to Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy regarding Ontario’s 2024 pre-budget consultations OFA submission to Finance Canada regarding Canada’s 2024 pre-budget consultations OFA submission to the Minister of the Municipal Affairs on Housing regarding the proposal to return lands to the Greenbelt OFA submission to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Proposal to Return Lands to the Greenbelt OFA submission regarding the Broadband Fund Policy Review OFA submission to the Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat regarding the proposed approach for regulations under the Building Ontario Business Initiative Act OFA submission regarding the proposal to modernize the Veterinarians Act OFA submission regarding the draft Grocery Industry Code of Conduct OFA submission regarding the future of competition policy in Canada OFA submission to the Niagara Escarpment Commission OFA submission to Finance Canada regarding Canada’s 2023 pre-budget consultations OFA submission to Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy regarding Ontario’s 2023 pre-budget consultations OFA submission regarding Ontario’s 2023 pre-budget consultations OFA letter to the Finance Minister regarding the LCBO mark-up and wine levy imposed on Ontario non-VQA wine sales OFA submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the review of A Place to Grow (APTG) and Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) OFA submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding proposed changes to Ontario Regulation 299/19: Additional Residential Units OFA submission to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding proposed changes to the Planning Act and Development Charges Act, 1997 OFA submission to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation regarding a draft transportation plan for Eastern Ontario OFA submission to the Honourable Lisa Thompson regarding the Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) Guidance Document Letter to the Minister of Finance regarding the Ontario Federation of Agriculture 2022 Budget Submission OFA submission to the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks regarding producer responsibility regulations OFA letter of support to the Ontario AgriFood Innovation Alliance Research Program regarding proposed awareness campaign OFA submission to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act OFA submission to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the projection methodology guideline OFA submission to the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines regarding Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan OFA letter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding AgriStability and strategic initiatives OFA letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding a consultation on growing the size of the Greenbelt OFA letter regarding Bill 257 – Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 OFA Letter regarding proposed regulation for Hazardous and Special Products OFA Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline through Michigan into Ontario OFA letter regarding Ontario agriculture’s contribution to provincial recovery from COVID-19 Letter of support for Ontario’s Freshwater Fish Farming Industry in Canadian Agricultural Partnership OFA submission regarding a Draft Transportation Plan for Northern Ontario OFA submission regarding Ontario’s 2021 pre-budget consultations OFA letter of support to the University of Guelph regarding proposed research project OFA letter to federal Environment and Climate Change Minister regarding Canada’s draft Clean Fuel Standard regulations OFA submission regarding Ontario’s fall 2020 pre-budget consultation OFA submission regarding the proposed regulation under the Ontario Heritage Act OFA congratulatory letter to MP Lianne Rood regarding new role as Shadow Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food for the Official Opposition OFA congratulatory letter to MP Eric Melillo regarding new role as Shadow Minister, Northern Affairs & Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario OFA congratulatory letter to MP John Nater regarding new role as Shadow Minister, Rural Economic Development OFA submission regarding proposed Growth Plan amendments OFA letter regarding property taxation of on-farm value-added activities OFA letter to Chairs of the Eastern and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucuses OFA submission regarding proposed amendments agricultural land use amendment for Hearst and Kapuskasing OFA submission regarding the draft Southwest Ontario Transportation Plan OFA submission regarding proposed regulatory changes affecting on-farm regulated mixed anaerobic digestion facilities OFA submission regarding proposed amendments to the Ontario Immigrant Nomination Program OFA letter to Finance Minister Phillips outlining OFA’s 2020 Ontario Pre-Budget recommendations OFA letter of support for a proposed comprehensive business plan to advance agriculture in north-eastern Ontario’s Great Clay Belt OFA letter to MPP Michael Gravelle OFA letter to MPP Mike Schreiner OFA letter to Mr. Sangha Sukhman OFA letter to MPP Amanda Simard OFA letter to Hon. Sylvia Jones OFA letter to MPP Toby Barrett OFA letter to MPP Jim McDonell OFA letter to Hon. Caroline Mulroney OFA letter to MPP Rudy Cuzzetto OFA letter to MPP Mike Harris OFA letter to Mr. Jim Wielgosz OFA letter to Hon. Ernie Hardeman OFA letter to Hon. Steve Clark OFA letter to MPP John Vanthof OFA letter to Mr. Patrick Sackville OFA submission regarding the Provincial Policy Statement review OFA letter to Minister Fedeli OFA letter to Minister Phillips OFA letter to Minister Scott OFA letter to Minister Hardeman regarding FPT issues for discussion OFA submission regarding proposed amendments to Regulation 422/17 under Ontario Immigration Act OFA submission regarding proposed amendments to the Planning Act OFA letter regarding the Niagara Escarpment Plan Agricultural Policies OFA letter to Premier Ford regarding OMAFRA Advisors OFA letter regarding Increasing Housing Supply in Ontario OFA submission regarding proposed open-for-business planning tool OFA submission regarding new regulation under the Planning Act for open-for-business planning tool OFA letter regarding Schedule 10, Bill 66, the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018 OFA letter to CRTC regarding high-speed broadband internet access OFA’s 2019 Ontario Pre-Budget Submission OFA letter to Minister Wilson regarding Regional and Rural Funding Programs OFA’s 2019 Federal Pre-Budget Submission OFA letter outlining federal pre-budget items to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for their submission OFA submission regarding the draft guidance to support implementation of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe OFA submission regarding the proposed Land Needs Assessment Methodology for the Greater Golden Horseshoe OFA submission regarding Ontario’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan OFA’s 2018 Pre-Budget Consultation Presentation OFA letter regarding Canadian Free Trade Agreement’s Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table OFA submission regarding proposed regulation for Municipal Small Business Programs OFA comments on Strategy Framework for Northern Ontario Agriculture, Aquaculture and Food Processing Sector Strategy OFA submission to OMAFRA’s Farms Forever Consultation OFA comments on Recruiting Ontario’s First Chief Science Officer OFA submission on Renewable Fuel Standards for Gasoline OFA’s 2017 Ontario Pre-Budget Submission OFA submission regarding Horse Racing Licence Act OFA letter regarding the next APF Phase 1 Consultations OFA submission regarding Northern Ag Strategy OFA letter regarding the Rural Economic Development Program OFA submission on proposed amendment to Rural or Remote Electricity Rate Protection OFA’s 2016 Pre-budget Submission to Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs EBR submission regarding Bill 73 – Development Charges Pre-budget Brief Letter to Minister of Finance Pre-budget Submission to Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Letter to the Ministry of the Attorney General regarding VQA Wine Sales at Ontario Farmers’ Markets Private Gaswell Fees Pre-budget Submission to Standing Committee on Finance News & Commentaries
Farm business not immune to cyber security threats Thankful for Ontario’s Harvest Support local this fall to help Ontario farms grow New partnership promotes farmers, farmers’ markets Building stronger ties between municipalities and farmers Scholarships, bursaries available for careers in agriculture A strong rural economy benefits all Ontarians Ontario farm leaders meet with provincial politicians Farmers pausing growth, but confident in future outlooks, survey says New mentorship opportunities for Canadian women in agriculture Farmers advocate for rural community investments Farmers, consumers share common interest, says new farm leader Reflecting on a year and on a presidency Farm and rural prosperity will boost provincial economy OFA, industry stakeholders connect with municipalities over common interests Buying local food supports Ontario’s farms and food businesses Enjoy the bounty of Ontario’s freshness during Local Food Week Farmers welcome government decision on farmland severances Farmers invest back into their communities by supporting local projects Kick start local food season with the Easter feast Reports show agritourism activities ripe for growth in Ontario Building bridges with rural leaders Keep those New Year’s resolutions with Ontario meat and produce OFA encourages online renewal of Farm Business Registration Farmland preservation, strong rural communities top OFA priority list for 2023 Locally source this year’s holiday feast From Ontario farms More than 50,000 Ontarians sign on to Home Grown to show support for farmland preservation OFA pleased with strong support for broader fuel tax exemption for farmers Farmland produces food. Let’s work together to keep it that way OFA’s Policy Advisory Council offers a chance to shape the future of Ontario agriculture Municipal elections are critical for farmland preservation OFA board tour showcases diversity of agriculture in Niagara Northern Ontario farmers welcome Canada’s agriculture minister OFA sees opportunity to build stronger agriculture and rural communities with re-elected Ford Government Campaign platforms show that advocacy matters Supporting the agri-food sector means economic growth and prosperity for Ontario OFA highlights collaborative projects and initiatives at second annual Research Day OFA celebrates farming and food on Canada’s Agriculture Day OFA pleased to see ag priorities addressed in fall economic statement OFA striving to secure long-term labour strategy for agriculture 4-H Ontario auctions new Honda ATV, donated by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture OFA and local federations speak up for agriculture with federal candidates OFA outlines key priorities for agriculture in federal election Exiting provincial directors reflect on their time representing Ontario’s farm families OFA anticipates return to farm shows and fairs OFA targets leadership recruitment as a pillar for building strong organizations and communities OFA invests in new program to support farming and rural communities across Ontario OFA urges snowmobile riders to respect farmland and Ontario’s trail system OFA Today – 2021 Edition OFA welcomes long-awaited infrastructure and program investments for rural Ontario OFA survey shows farmers adapting and making strides on the road to recovery OFA recognizes vital contributions along the value chain during Small Business Month Harvest season – a time to reflect, celebrate and promote Ontario’s agri-food sector Medical professional tours highlight significance of rural and farm-specific training Always in Season project highlights opportunities to support agriculture and local food Province makes buying local easier with Ontario Made logo launch Local federations give back to communities across Ontario Agricultural representation key to regional economic recovery task forces Celebrating Ontario’s bounty of fresh, affordable local food OFA will receive Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding to address agri-food labour supply and training challenges Ontario farm businesses working to adapt to a new reality The time is now to support Ontario’s agri-food system with workable solutions OFA members share how their operations are faring during COVID-19 OFA takes the pulse of Ontario ag as COVID-19 continues OFA highlights current state of Ontario’s agri-food system Rural infrastructure investments will pave the way for prosperity OFA agri-food priorities for a new decade A look back at Ontario agriculture in 2019 OFA takes agri-food priorities to Queen’s Park OFA delivers state of Ontario’s agri-food sector at Queen’s Park Smart expansion the key to providing natural gas across Ontario New minority government offers opportunity for collaboration Kudos to Chamber of Commerce on new regional economies report Report shows agri-food economic contributions add up Rural Ontario welcomes promise of better broadband connection Local federation meetings – getting ready for the AGM Bringing Ontario issues to national ag ministers’ meeting Cabinet change means more ag opportunity Talk up local ag during MPP summer break Building a stronger partnership for Ontario agriculture Provincial budget delivers mixed bag for Ontario agriculture Happiness and the rural solution OFA advocates for red tape reduction Government reversal protects Ontario farmland OFA’s advice to government: invest in rural Ontario Bringing ag and rural issues to next federal budget OFA: Starting the new year with renewed priorities Additional Information
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