GUELPH ON [November 28, 2023] – Changes proposed by the federal government to its Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Act are welcome news for Ontario’s farmers. Announced in the recent Fall Economic Statement, the proposed changes would remove onerous filing requirements for farm corporations and farm partnerships who own more than one residence as well as reduce excessively high non-filing penalties.

GUELPH ON [November 22, 2023] – Drew Spoelstra, a dairy and crop farmer from Binbrook in the southeast corner of the city of Hamilton, was elected as the new president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) today. Spoelstra has served on the OFA board as the director representing farmers from Halton, Hamilton/Wentworth and Niagara since 2013 and has most recently held the role of Vice President.

GUELPH ON [November 22, 2023] – Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Peggy Brekveld has stepped down after leading the organization for the past three years. Brekveld is also not seeking re-election as a director on the board of the province’s largest farm organization.

GUELPH ON [November 21, 2023] – Five young people currently pursuing future careers in agriculture have each won a bursary of $2,000 from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto earlier today.

GUELPH ON [November 20, 2023] – Leaders from Ontario farm organizations are heading to Ottawa in support of swift passage of Bill C-234 currently before the Senate. The legislation would provide a carbon tax exemption for Canadian farmers heating barns, greenhouses and food-growing structures, and drying grain.

GUELPH ON [October 24, 2023] – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is joining Grain Farmers of Ontario, Fertilizer Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in urging the federal government to ensure critical shipments of grains, oilseeds, fertilizer, and other products and resources like road salt continue to flow through the St. Lawrence Seaway in light of the ongoing strike by Seaway workers.

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.