The OFA has a long history of involvement in water-related issues throughout the Province. Farmers rely on the air, soil and water to conduct their business, and as such, have a vested interest in the sustainability of these resources.

OFA applauds the recognition of animal (livestock) water needs as an essential use during Low Water periods. It is crucial that our farm animals are able to receive the water they require. Other agricultural water uses must also be given a high priority for water access. This process must recognize that an entire year’s income for a family can be lost if the crop does not receive adequate amount of water at critical times. This loss cannot be recovered in agriculture as it can in other industries can (i.e. by adding extra shifts, etc.). Similarly, while this document states that the Ontario Low Water Response (OLWR) is not disaster relief, it must then serve as a trigger to the government of Ontario to provide relief to farmers faced by crop damage and decreased production as a result of drought conditions.