The Policy Advisory Council (PAC) met this week for the first in person meeting since 2019. Policy Advisory Council (PAC) is an elected body of grassroots members that meet approximately four times per year. The PAC consists of 88 members providing grassroots input on key issues and policy direction, including representation from each county and commodity organizations. This meeting was hosted in Orangeville but was also offered in a hybrid format for those who weren’t able to join in person.
Major topics of discussion included an update from OFA President, Peggy Brekveld on fertilizer tariffs, farmland loss and railroad crossings. Russel Hurst joined from the Ontario Agribusiness Association (OABA) to discuss rural infrastructure needs in four key areas of transportation, energy, labour, and connectivity. OFA policy analyst, Danielle Sharman was next on the agenda, introducing the Agriculture Matters Guide and Municipal Election Kit. The Ag Matters Guide provides an overview of issues affecting farmers today and identifies opportunities for local communities to support this economic sector. The Municipal Election Kit is a complimentary guide to the Ag Matters resource and provides key messages to prepare for the upcoming municipal election.
Marcus Ryan, Mayor of Zorra Township, was invited to discuss municipal engagement strategies and the significance of working with municipalities to protect our agricultural lands and farming practices in Ontario. Table discussions were also held throughout the day to gather input from elected members on supply chain infrastructure and municipal engagement.
Elections for PAC positions are held at OFA’s Regional meetings which are well underway across the province. To find out when your local federation is hosting, visit the regional meeting webpage.