By Ethan Wallace, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

For farm leaders, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) annual summer meeting is always a highlight on the calendar. It’s a chance to gather with other sector leaders from across the country, take stock of the current landscape, and work on charting a united path forward.

This year, the gathering held even more significance than usual.

With a new federal government in place and major challenges ahead, it’s clear that Canada is at a pivotal moment in its history – and that includes agriculture. The choices we make now will shape the future of our farms, our food system, and rural communities for decades to come.

My family and I farm just outside of Seaforth near Lake Huron. I’m also a Vice President with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and I’m proud that our organization continues to play a leading role in uniting voices in our sector.

Earlier this year, we spearheaded a coordinated communications effort among Ontario’s agricultural organizations to draw attention to both the challenges and the growth potential tied to trade, tariffs, and domestic policy. It was a proactive push to ensure government is not only hearing from us—but hearing a consistent, united message.

We’ve encouraged CFA to carry that same spirit of collaboration across the national stage. The message to the federal government is clear: agriculture is one of the country’s greatest economic powerhouses. With the right tools—smart policy, modern infrastructure, and thoughtful regulation—we can unlock even more potential. Farm leaders across the country are ready to partner with decision-makers to build that future, together.

This meeting also marked the return of the Canadian Pork Council to the CFA table, adding another vital voice to our message. In a diverse industry like ours, every sector brings unique insights and strengthening those cross-commodity relationships is essential for building resilience, reducing red tape, and speaking with a stronger voice on national issues.

The meeting itself covered a wide array of key topics. From mental health initiatives to changes at the Canadian Grain Commission, and updates on Senate activity—including Bill S-230, which seeks to develop a national soil health strategy—there was no shortage of pressing matters to discuss.

CFA also provided updates on its international engagement, such as the North America-European Union Farm Leaders Conference in Italy later this year. It will offer a valuable opportunity to explore bilateral and multilateral trade, sustainability, and innovation—areas where Canada must continue to lead and start strengthening relationships outside of North America.

One of the highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CFA and the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF). This agreement sets the stage for deeper collaboration and mutual understanding. There is enormous opportunity to grow agriculture in new territories and support Indigenous food sovereignty—and building these relationships is a meaningful and necessary step forward.

Manitoba’s Minister of Agriculture Ron Kostyshyn shared compelling insights on cutting red tape, addressing outdated regulations, and seizing what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to finally tackle interprovincial trade barriers—issues that are also top of mind with farmers here in Ontario. The minister was candid in his remarks that agriculture is often taken for granted by Canadians and why it’s important that this must change.

The presence of Senators Rob Black, Mary Robinson and Todd Lewis at the meeting did highlight how far agriculture has come in raising its profile in Ottawa in recent years. A decade ago, agriculture was barely mentioned in the Senate. Today, it’s part of nearly every conversation. That’s the result of steady, relationship-focused advocacy and being a trusted resource before legislation hits the floor, not just after.

Ultimately, this year’s CFA meeting reminded us that collaboration isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy. And if we want Canadian agriculture to reach its full potential both here at home and globally, we need to keep showing up, speaking out, and working together.

The challenges are considerable, but so are the opportunities and pulling together in the same direction will help us realize their potential.

 

For more information, contact:

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-994-2578
comms@ofa.on.ca