On Monday evening, delegates from southwestern Ontario federations gathered at the 2024 Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Annual General Meeting to discuss key issues facing their local areas. The meeting provided a platform for delegates to review and deliberate over more than a dozen resolutions, which would be presented the following day. Topics covered a broad range of concerns impacting the farming community, including noxious weeds, unused disposal site permits, education around slow-moving vehicles, private drains, drinking water quality, compensation from hydro companies, livestock facilities, and online tax filings.

OFA President Drew Spoelstra also addressed the group, updating delegates on the organization’s ongoing advocacy efforts and the critical issues they’ve been tackling throughout the year. These included farmland expropriation, downloading of costs for railway crossings, the advocacy for the advanced payment program, and the growing focus on mental health support within the farming community.

In addition to the resolutions, delegates were given the opportunity to engage with the Director-at-Large nominees, with OFA Vice President Sara Wood providing insights into the election process. A video presentation by nominee Matthew Porter further helped delegates familiarize themselves with the candidates and their platforms.

The evening served as a productive and informative session, setting the stage for continued dialogue and action on behalf of Ontario’s farmers.