Every year, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, our province marks Ontario Agriculture Week. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the important ongoing contribution Ontario farmers make to our society and our economy in producing food, feed, fuel and flowers.

Every year, farm fires result in tens of millions of dollars in losses to buildings, businesses and farm animals; and the financial losses don’t take into account the toll on farm families.

September 25 is Franco-Ontarian Day in our province. It’s a celebration of the cultural, historical, social, economic and political contributions of francophones in Ontario.

Road safety is always important, but even more at this time of year when farmers move between fields, farms and other locations to harvest crops and get them to market, processing or storage.

Early September often feels as much like a new beginning as early January does. It’s when most summer activities end, and kids go back to school. For the farming community, it means harvest time kicks into high gear – but it also unofficially marks the beginning of our sector’s annual meeting and event season.

The demand for energy is growing in Ontario, as is the need for reliable supply and infrastructure that will provide sustainable, affordable options and accommodate growth across all sectors of the economy, including the agri-food sector.

Harvest of all kinds is in full swing in Ontario, from grains and other field crops to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Many of these crops, particularly produce, are sold directly to consumers at farmers’ markets across the province, along with flowers, meat, honey, baked goods, jams and other items made with locally grown ingredients.

The latest statistics just released by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness show the tremendous impact the agri-food sector, which includes farming, agricultural processing, retail and food service, has on the provincial economy.

Ontario is a large province, and its geography is as diverse as its people. That diversity is also evident when it comes to agriculture. Ontario’s farmers produce more than 200 different agricultural commodities, from milk, eggs and meat to fruits, vegetables, flowers, crops for feed and fuel and more.

As an advocacy organization for farmers, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture takes action to ensure the concerns of its members come to the attention of decision-makers.