As we near the tail end of this harvest season, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) wants to ensure that our farming families have the resources and tools they need to stay safe on increasingly busy country roads. Traffic is heavy throughout the province, especially near urban and suburban areas, as rapid development has led to urban sprawl.

After several months of enduring the effects of COVID-19, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reached out to our members to gather valuable input on how their farm businesses have fared, both positively and negatively, through the pandemic. Evidence shows a future that appears brighter and more optimistic than the doom and gloom we experienced in the beginning stages of the COVID-19 crisis.

October is Small Business Month in Canada. It is a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions that entrepreneurs and small businesses have to our communities and their passion which drives our economy forward. We know that many small businesses in our rural communities were affected by COVID-19.

Since 2017, Canada has actively worked to legislate a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) in biofuel production to help lower greenhouse gas emissions. New proposed regulations have been announced in September 2020 that have raised concern for Ontario farmers that these regulations will introduce crop production constraints and does not address compliance verification.

Ontario’s agri-food sector has navigated a challenging year as a result of COVID-19. Nevertheless, our industry continues to prove its resiliency, strength and an unshakeable devotion to provide Ontarians and the world affordable, nutritious, high-quality food.

Agricultural soil health is directly connected to the food production system and economic growth in Ontario. Health soils impact the viability, sustainability and productivity of Ontario’s agriculture and food industry. It is our most valuable resource and its long-term health and conservation remains a key priority for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

In its second annual survey of farmers in southwestern Ontario, the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative (PRC) set out to gauge awareness of the organization’s efforts to reduce agricultural phosphorus losses and improve water quality in the Great Lakes. The survey was conducted in early 2020 by farmers in the Thames River basin and surrounding areas.

From an historical perspective, women have always played a vital role in agriculture, but it was often undocumented, unacknowledged and unquantified. Each woman is strong and influential in their own right. These women encourage us in their leadership, actions and language.

Ontario farmers and rural landowners will be impacted by new amendments made to the Grade Crossing Regulations issued by Transport Canada. These amendments apply to all public and private railway crossings across the country. Farmers and rural landowners with private railway crossings on their property may be required to upgrade or improve their crossings in order to comply with the new grade regulation standards.

Abattoirs and processing plants are essential for livestock and poultry farmers to market locally-grown and processed food to consumers. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed vulnerabilities in the current meat processing supply chain, but has created an opportunity for a more regional approach to food production.