GUELPH ON [September 21, 2023] – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) appreciates Premier Doug Ford’s new direction on this issue and thanks him for making this difficult decision. Preserving agricultural lands for the purposes of food production and processing is a top priority for OFA, however we recognize that Ontario is still facing a housing crisis.

The foods grown, raised and produced in Canada are as diverse as the population that calls it home. That gives us a lot to celebrate on Food Day Canada, marked this year on August 5th. Conveniently, Food Day Canada also happens at a time of year when Ontario’s rural roads are dotted with roadside farmstands selling the freshest fruits and vegetables you can find. From corn through sweet berries to root veggies like onions and potatoes, local produce has richer and bolder tastes than anything imported, and is packed with nutrients for a healthy addition to any menu.

With more than 200 different crops and livestock being grown, produced or raised on Ontario soil, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate Local Food Week 2023.

The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations named below are pleased to find common ground with the Ontario government in respect to protecting farmland under the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, with thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, for their willingness to meet with farmers on this issue, better understand our position and work together to find a resolution on this matter.

GUELPH, ON — The National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O), Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO), along with numerous commodity and agricultural organizations are united in their opposition to Bill 97 and the Proposed Provincial Planning Statement.

The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations, named below, are united in asking the Ontario government to take pause on its recently released Proposed Provincial Planning Statement and newly proposed Bill 97.

GUELPH, ON [April 6, 2023] – Falling shortly after the arrival of spring and near the beginning of Ontario’s growing season, the Easter feast is a great opportunity to kick start a season of eating locally grown foods.

This week’s federal budget contained several good news announcements for Ontario farmers dealing with rising costs and other challenges impacting the competitiveness of the agriculture sector.

The government’s agri-food focused budget items included new funding for interest-free cash advances for farmers; a top up of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund for farmers in Eastern Canada; reduced escalator tax increases on wines, craft beer and ciders, and spirits; support for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) preparedness; and the establishment of a Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) welcomes new steps the provincial government is taking to ensure the ongoing resilience of Ontario’s food production system through its announcement of new funding for expanded veterinary training and an agricultural soil health and conservation strategy in yesterday’s provincial budget.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) will be moving forward with a new leader at the helm of the organization for the next two years as Keith Currie was acclaimed as the new President of CFA at the organization’s 2023 Annual General Meeting.