By Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

This week, representatives from Ontario’s rural municipalities are gathering in Toronto for the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference. And as we have for the last few years, Ontario farmers will be right there with them.

Some might wonder why farmers care about municipal issues – and the answer is simple: when agriculture is strong, so are rural communities.

That’s because in Ontario, the agri-food sector is one of the biggest pillars of the provincial economy. We contribute $51.4 billion in economic activity and support jobs for 867,000 Ontarians. That’s about 10% of our provincial workforce. On top of that, our sector generates about $28 billion in agri-food exports for Ontario every year.

Those are significant numbers, making agriculture and agri-food as important for investment, policy support and infrastructure as, for example, the automotive industry.

And that’s what we’re at ROMA to talk about.

I’m a Vice President with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), as well as a livestock and grain farmer near Stratford, Ontario. This will be my fourth year attending ROMA on behalf of Ontario’s farmers, carrying the message that agriculture matters and that we share common interests, values and goals with our municipalities.

A key priority for our members – and we know it is for rural municipalities too – is rural infrastructure.

This means roads and bridges, high speed internet and proper cellular coverage, as well as affordable and reliable energy. But it’s also about education, health care and social supports, like schools, hospitals, long-term care and affordable housing for our rural areas.

We need services, investment and infrastructure to attract and keep people in rural communities and give strength to jobs and businesses in those areas.

The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), which funds rural infrastructure, has declined from $656 million in 2005 to $550 million in 2025. Adjusted for inflation, 2025 funding would need to increase to nearly $1 billion to match 2005 levels. The provincial government committed to increase its funding of OMPF to $600 million in 2026 in last fall’s Economic Statement and that’s a positive step — but it’s not enough to meet critical rural infrastructure needs.

Just as important for farmers, though, is for municipalities to know how important agriculture and agri-food is in their communities and how they can support our sector. An example of that is through bylaws and regulations that encourage business growth and don’t unnecessarily add costs or hinder competitiveness. That’s another big reason why the OFA makes sure to be part of the ROMA conference every year

A growing agri-food sector needs stable and reliable long-term land use planning that protects farmland, supports smart urban growth (including housing) that respects agricultural and rural land, and attracts and keeps businesses from all parts of the agri-food value chain.

Agricultural Impact Assessments conducted by qualified professionals are a tool for municipalities to support land use planning, and we encourage municipalities to draw on the agri-food expertise in their own communities to establish Agricultural Advisory Committees that can advise councillors and staff on the needs and perspectives of the sector.

And finally, OFA urges municipalities not to forget agriculture when it comes to economic development.

This is about attracting and keeping farms and related businesses – from vet clinics and feed mills to farm equipment dealerships, farm supply stores and more – but also about maximizing growing opportunities presented by agritourism and local food.

The public’s interest in local production, local experiences and supporting homegrown businesses has never been stronger, particularly when it comes to anything food related. Expanding agritourism and local food will diversify local economies by bringing new jobs, generating additional revenue and attracting visitors.

This ultimately supports community health and well-being with the added benefit of helping Ontarians get a better understanding of our food system and where and how to buy local. Now that’s a win-win.

OFA is committed to working collaboratively with municipal leaders to build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient rural Ontario. Together, we can ensure that agriculture remains a pillar of economic prosperity and that rural communities continue to grow, contribute, and flourish.

The OFA has created many resources to assist municipalities, regions, and community organizations in supporting the agricultural sector. To learn more about them, click on the links below:

• Ontario economic fact sheet and local and regional snapshots
• Agriculture Matters: A Guide for Municipal Councillors and Staff
• Guide to Support Agricultural Growth in Your Municipality
• Checklist to Support Agricultural Growth in Your Municipality
• Agriculture Economic Development Initiatives

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-994-2578
[email protected]