As Ontario farmers prepare to gather for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting next week, it’s a natural time to reflect on the year behind us — a year that has tested our resilience, unity, and determination like few others.
Read OFA Viewpoint weekly for our position and activities on the current issues and legislation impacting Ontario’s agriculture sector.
Farm safety starts with awareness and prevention, not luck
Accidents can happen in a split second, but many can be prevented with awareness and preparation. Farm safety is about knowing what to do on the farm to avoid accidents and injuries – and not just during busy times like planting or harvest, but anytime you’re working with equipment or livestock.
Farmers coming together to shape future of agriculture
Every November, farmers from across Ontario gather for one of the most important events on our calendar — the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Ontario’s other economic engine: agriculture and food
Ontario’s agri-food system, from farms and greenhouses to processors, distributors, retailers and foodservice, contributed approximately $51.4 billion to the provincial economy in 2024. That makes it one of Ontario’s top economic drivers, powering both rural and urban communities.
Farms are small businesses too — and they need less red tape to grow
Most Ontarians don’t see farms as small businesses, but they are – even if they are different from retail, trades, suppliers or service providers.
Cyber security – the new frontier in farm risk management
When most people consider what could pose a risk to Ontario farm businesses, they likely think of extreme weather or commodity market fluctuations. But in today’s connected world, one of the fastest-growing risks is one we can’t see until it’s too late: cyber attacks.
Ontario agriculture is worth celebrating this week — and every week
This week is Ontario Agriculture Week, leading us into Thanksgiving — one of the most food-focused times of the year. It’s a perfect reminder of just how much our province has to be thankful for when it comes to agriculture and food.
Building the next generation of farm leaders starts with saying yes
Investing in young farmers isn’t just about their individual growth — it’s about the future of Ontario’s entire agri-food system.
Rural theft is on the rise — here’s how to protect yourself
Thefts that once seemed like “city problems” are showing up more and more in our rural communities — and farmers are often prime targets.
Keeping food on shelves takes more than farms — it takes people
Many agriculture and food-related businesses would not have enough workers without Temporary Foreign Workers, threatening food production, disrupting supply chains, and undermining both our food system and our economic stability.