This past week, Ontario’s farmers gathered for the annual meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). It’s a business meeting for the organization and the opportunity for members from across Ontario to debate resolutions and help shape the direction of OFA policy and activity for the year ahead.
Read OFA Viewpoint weekly for our position and activities on the current issues and legislation impacting Ontario’s agriculture sector.
Reflecting on a year and on a presidency
For Ontario’s largest general farm organization, it almost goes without saying that the last year has been a busy one. I’ve served as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for three years, and as I look back on the last 12 months, I’m proud of the many places we’ve been able to speak, present, comment and testify to share the voice of agriculture and help make things better for farmers in Ontario.
Role of women evolving in farming sector
Traditionally, agriculture has been a male-dominated industry, but women have always played very pivotal roles in farm businesses – just mostly behind the scenes or in a supportive capacity.
That is definitely changing, however. As a female farmer myself, it’s something that I can confirm first-hand, but it’s also backed up by data from the most recent Canadian Census of Agriculture.
Farm leaders reflect on service to provincial organization
The annual convention of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will take place the third week of November. As we do every year, it’s where OFA members and voting delegates get together to deal with the business of the organization.
Ontario’s farmers get set to gather for annual convention
Every year in November, members of Ontario’s largest general farm organization, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), come together for their annual convention.
Farm and rural prosperity will boost provincial economy
Although economic news regularly dominates headlines these days, the economy will be of particular focus on this week’s public and media calendar.
Farmers need help dealing with wildlife crop damage and losses
Farmers always worry about the weather impacting their crops, from drought and heat to flooding, hail, and high winds. However, there’s another aspect of nature that is also a source of damage and loss for agricultural crops – wildlife.
Farmers urge government to invest in rural healthcare
Healthcare affects all Ontarians and regardless of where we live in this province, its services and resources are something we all depend on from time to time.
Farmers advocate for federal housing tax exemption as deadline looms
The deadline for Canadians to file their first return under Canada’s new Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is fast approaching. Originally set for April 30, the federal government extended the filing deadline this year to October 31 to give Canadians who own housing other than their main residence enough time to complete the process for the first time.
Agriculture is about more than farming
This week marks Ontario Agriculture Week. Strategically selected to be just before Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the abundance of locally produced food, fuel, fibre and flowers that we are lucky enough to have easy access to here in Ontario.