Canadian agriculture has come another step closer to expanded fuel surcharge exemptions for essential farming activities, which will bring meaningful relief to farmers across the country. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food has approved a private member’s bill exempting propane and natural gas used for heating livestock barns and drying grain from federal carbon surcharges, sending it back to the House for third and final reading.

Ontario needs more homes, built faster – that much is true. The Golden Horseshoe area is poised to see unprecedented growth over the next few decades and it’s important that we work towards a better plan to accommodate folks that want to call this province home in the future.

In a few short weeks, Ontario’s farmers will gather for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is a special highlight on our annual event calendar as it’s the one time of year that federation of agriculture members from all over the province can get together to talk about the issues that are important to farmers, help provide input to the provincial board of directors on policy directions, and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other a little bit better.

Last week was municipal election day across Ontario. Although the campaigns aren’t generally as high profile as during provincial or federal elections, these local contests are no less important.

Farm theft and trespassing incidents are increasing, and sadly, it’s a trend that is expected to continue as people struggle with inflation and growing fears of economic recession. Crops and livestock are easy targets for thieves, along with equipment, fuel and other high value farm items that may not always be protected.

Each year, the week leading up to Thanksgiving is Ontario Agriculture Week. With fall harvest in full swing and Ontarians marking the holiday with gatherings and special meals, it’s an ideal time to celebrate food and farming in Ontario.

It’s fall in Ontario and harvest is in full swing on farms across the province. It’s an important time of year for farmers as it’s when we bring in the crops we’ve been nurturing all season long and prepare our fields and farms for the winter season.

Fruit and vegetable growers in Canada have long been asking for the federal government to establish legislation that would ensure they get paid for their crops if a produce buyer goes bankrupt.

Fall means harvest for most farmers – and for members of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), it also means the start of what we often call meeting season. The business of our farm organizations is year-round, but events and meetings for farmers or that need farmer involvement most often take place in fall and winter when we’re least busy with activities on the farm.

Farming can be full of unexpected crises, from market volatility and crop losses due to bad weather to tragedies like barn fires. Having security and stability to ensure Ontario farmers remain profitable and protected is vital to the viability of the farming industry and the Ontario economy.