OFA provides comments to Dr. Wayne Caldwell in support of the proposed research project: Assessing the Capacity of Municipalities to Respond to Evolving Rural and Agricultural Issues. Several provincial priorities, such as farmland preservation, local food, on-farm diversification, and rural economic development require the support of effective and successful policy implementation to promote a thriving agricultural economy in Ontario. All these issues rely on municipal involvement and the plans and policies to support these priorities on the ground. Success in responding to agricultural needs depends on the capacity of municipalities to do so. We have observed the varying levels of expertise that municipalities have in responding to agricultural issues across the province. Some have qualified staff with a background in agriculture, while others do not. There appears to be a relationship between the capacity of municipalities (e.g. numbers of staff with a background in agriculture, connections to the agricultural community) and the impacts of their decision-making on the ground. OFA supports that this research will assess this capacity and identify best practices and training opportunities which can better prepare and support municipal stakeholders to make more informed decision-making in supporting the success of our agricultural and agri-food sectors.