Farming 2020: Driving Ontario agriculture forward - 2020 Edition Annual Update from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
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2020 Edition
Annual Update from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Farming 2020:
Driving Ontario agriculture forward
Annual Publication
ofa.on.ca
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OFA
Suite 206
Editor’s note
100 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON N1G 5L3
519-821-8883
1-800-668-3276
ofa.on.ca
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
EDITOR is excited to bring you our 2020 edition of
Tyler Brooks OFA Today magazine. Our annual publication
offers a great opportunity to reflect on a busy,
OFA Today is published for the Ontario productive year for Ontario’s agriculture
Federation of Agriculture (OFA), the industry as well as highlight some of the
largest general farm organization in challenges and successes encountered
Ontario, representing 38,000 farms, Tyler Brooks,
along the way.
farm businesses and farm family members Director of Digital Communications
and supporters. As a dynamic, farmer- Inside this publication, you’ll learn more
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
led organization based in Guelph, OFA about recent OFA projects, initiatives and
works to represent and champion the activities we’ve been involved in over the past
diverse interests of Ontario farmers year, updates on government legislation impacting Ontario farm businesses
through government relations, farm and key priorities for the organization as we move forward through 2020.
policy recommendations, lobby efforts, OFA Today continues to be a valuable resource for communicating with
research, community representation,
you, our valued members, on important issues and topics affecting your farm
media relations and more. OFA is
the leading advocate for Ontario businesses. We take pride in our efforts to provide members with the most
farmers, their farm businesses and their up-to-date information on priorities impacting your farms, families
communities. and employees.
On these pages, we focus on OFA’s advocacy and government relations
All content of this publication has been work, federal government priorities following the 2019 election, recap of
written, gathered, supplied and approved agricultural policy work, Member Service Representative (MSR) profiles and
by OFA and its editor. OFA and its editor
an exclusive Q & A with OFA General Manager Cathy Lennon.
are solely responsible for any liability
arising out of or relating to magazine
You will also read about OFA's progress on regulatory and legislative
content. Content may not be reproduced, matters including broadband, natural gas infrastructure, provincial land use
in whole, or in part, without the prior planning, water quality, waste management, the Provincial Animal Welfare
consent of the editor. Services Act and protection from animal activists and trespassers in the form
of the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture We hope you enjoy reading through these pages and catching up on
would like to thank the sponsors and the work your general farm organization is doing on your behalf. We look
media partners who contributed to
forward to working together in a new year full of growth and opportunities
OFA Today for their support.
for Ontario’s diverse and innovative agri-food industry. Thank you for your
Published by AgMedia Inc. continued support.
Administration Office:
52 Royal Rd., Guelph, ON N1H 1G3 Sincerely,
1-888-248-4893
Layout & Design
Tanya Myers
Advertising Sales Tyler Brooks
Glenn Ruegg Editor
glenn.ruegg@betterfarming.com
1-888-248-4893, ext 916
On the cover
Thank you to OFA member Erin Windover of Lennox & Addington for
her 2018 photo contest submission and the 2020 OFA Today cover.
3
President’s message
It’s been another interesting, challenging and unexpected year in Ontario’s agri-food
industry. But that’s not really anything new. Farming, by its very nature, is a dynamic and
changing endeavour. Some years, it seems the challenges present bigger obstacles than
others. And we’ve had our share in 2019 – from weather, trade disputes, troubling levels
of on-farm activism and a rail strike in the middle of a wet harvest season.
And yet, we persevere. That’s what we do. We work together. We look for new
solutions. We find ways to collaborate and move forward. We do this because of the
Keith Currie
pride and satisfaction we get from working on the land and with our animals, to feed
President
and fuel people in Ontario and around the world.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
To focus the work that OFA conducts on behalf of our 38,000 members, we develop
an annual strategic and operations plan to drive activities for the year. The plan guides
the work of the entire OFA team – from research staff, Member Service Representatives,
board of directors and member relations.
OFA Today is one of the ways we report back to you, our members, on the broad range of issues we have
worked on over the past 12 months. Our 2019-2020 plan contains three objectives:
• OFA will coordinate industry efforts to build a sustainable farming sector that earns public trust.
• OFA will promote membership and engagement by providing unparalleled service, benefits
and opportunities for involvement.
• OFA will be an efficient, professional organization providing a voice and achieving positive
results for farmers.
In this issue of OFA Today, you’ll find stories on all the activities we have worked on over the last year. There
are highlights from our research team on the legislative issues we continue to advocate for with all three levels of
government. You can find out about the type of community projects funded through our Proud to Lead “Involve”
Fund. And we include all the details you need to know about exclusive savings for OFA members through our
Benefit Program.
As we start another year, and the promise that agriculture always brings, I’m honoured to be returning for my
fourth term as OFA president. I look forward to a productive year of collaboration and progress as our sector
continues to produce prosperity and drive the economic engine for Ontario. We will be working with
municipalities, and provincial and federal governments, to ensure that the interests of the agri-food industry
and our rural communities are included, consulted and considered with any new and changing legislation that
impacts the sustainability of our farm businesses.
Thank you for your continued support.
Keith Currie
OFA President
Stay connected with OFA
@OntarioFarms OntarioFarms OntarioFarms ontariofarms
@OFABenefits
4
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A look at OFA’s government
relations activities
MPP newsletters
OFA’s From the Field newsletter updates MPPs on
agri-food issues, regulation and policy changes that
impact the business of farming, environment concerns
and good news stories about our industry. The newsletter
is delivered to MPP offices quarterly and is available
online at ofa.on.ca.
Caucus breakfast
Two spring caucus breakfast events were hosted by OFA
at Queen’s Park in 2019. OFA directors and staff had OFA’s 2019 Field Day welcomed MPPs and staff to
breakfast meetings with both the PC and NDP Caucus. Gwillimdale Farms in Bradford, ON.
that grows and packs a range of fresh-from-the-field
vegetables for all the major grocery chains in Ontario.
Visitors toured the family farm operation, enjoyed
a local food lunch and gained some insight into an
industry that is a major driver of the Ontario economy –
agriculture and food.
Queen’s Park fall visit
Each year, OFA visits Queen’s Park to celebrate Ontario
OFA directors hosted a spring breakfast meeting
Agriculture Week in October. In 2019, the government
with the NDP caucus at Queen’s Park.
wasn’t sitting during Ontario Agriculture Week, so we moved
the celebration to December. We hosted a media event,
Federal election together with Food and Beverage Ontario and the Ontario
OFA and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture Agri Business Association to highlight the successes and
(CFA) worked closely together during the federal opportunities in the agri-food industry to drive continued
election campaign to ensure every political candidate growth in Ontario. We had one-on-one meetings with
understood agriculture’s economic contributions, and several MPPs throughout the day, and in the evening, we
the potential growth opportunities and issues facing celebrated with the bounty of Ontario’s agri-food sector.
farm businesses. Local federations hosted regional
all candidates meetings, with support from OFA that Act Now lobby website
included an election kit and key messages. A short video OFA had an active year with our lobby website
outlining OFA’s priorities for election candidates was Act Now (actnow.ofa.on.ca). The letter-writing advocacy
shared on social media and used to promote the tool was created to help OFA members add their voice
agri-food sector during the election. to a current issue that requires government attention and
action. Our 2019 campaigns included a call to repeal a
Field Day new automatic tax on Canadian spirits, the need for CRTC
Every year, OFA invites MPPs and staff to its Field Day to re-evaluate its criteria for who qualifies for broadband
event, hosted on an Ontario family farm. It’s a chance for upgrades in rural Ontario, a call for stronger action against
politicians to experience the innovation that’s happening animal activism, the need for immediate action to end the
in the agri-food sector. OFA’s 2019 event was hosted at CN Rail strike and support for Bill 156, the new Security
Gwillimdale Farms – an integrated vegetable farm from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act.
6
Making agriculture
matter to all levels Resources for growing
of government agriculture in your community
OFA members advocate Are you looking for ways to support your local agri-food
in local communities sector and promote locally grown food in your area?
OFA has developed several resources to help members
support their local food economy, farmers and the agri-
food industry in Ontario.
As a grassroots advocacy organization, OFA always looks
for ways to engage and support members, and share
Agri-Food Initiatives Directory
their issues and concerns with all levels of government.
An online, interactive resource with more than
A new resource, Agriculture Matters: A Guide for
700 activities happening in communities across Ontario.
Municipal Councillors and Staff, was launched in 2018
for use during municipal elections – and has been widely
Agriculture Matters: A Guide for Municipal
used by OFA members and local federations to assist in
Councillors and Staff
advocacy efforts with municipalities.
A quick reference document about key issues impacting
This resource, recently updated in 2020, provides
Ontario farmers, and how you can help.
an overview of issues affecting farmers at the municipal
level and identifies opportunities for local communities
Agriculture Economic Development and Planning
to support this untapped, and sometimes undervalued,
Community of Practice
economic sector. The guide has been used frequently
A virtual network for professionals across Ontario who
by OFA Member Service Representatives and county
are interested in agriculture and agri-business issues.
federations across the province to highlight agriculture
and inform municipal councillors and staff of issues
Agriculture Economic Development Initiatives
and priorities impacting local farmers. The guide also
A list of ideas and activities to help promote and support
provides information on how to support agriculture and
your local agricultural community.
identifies opportunities for growing the agri-food sector
at the local level.
All these resources are available at ofa.on.ca/GrowAg.
Multiple municipalities across Ontario have accessed
the resource guide to increase their understanding of the
needs and issues of the agri-food industry.
Aiding
Ontario Farmers
in Their Success
for Generations
296 Collier Rd S, Thorold ON │1-800-396-9238 │ www.stokeseeds.com
Stokes Seeds is a Proud OFA Member
7
What’s up with water
quality management
OFA works on a number of different projects involving Great Lakes
water management across the province focused on The provincial government continues to work on how
phosphorus reduction and water quality in the to collaborate and coordinate the implementation of
Great Lakes. the Lake Erie Action Plan. OFA is encouraged that a
renewed Great Lakes water quality initiative could have
a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of our
water resources.
In September 2019, OFA responded to the proposed
new Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water
Quality and Ecosystem Health – an agreement that includes
agriculture as part of the Great Lakes community. OFA used
its submission to draw attention to areas of the agreement
that must have direct input from the agricultural community
for this to be a meaningful project. Highlights from OFA’s
submission included:
Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative group.
• Agriculture has a proud history of participation in
sustainable practices that decrease nutrient loss,
Thames River and are pleased that agriculture has been specifically
Lake Erie provides an important source of water for included as part of the Great Lakes community.
drinking, crop irrigation, fishing and tourism. The • Governments must provide resources to implement
Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative is on-the-ground projects to improve water quality.
developing and testing practical technologies to help • The agricultural community must be involved in any
farmers and municipalities reduce phosphorus runoff discussions related to managing agricultural drainage.
from their fields, and in turn help prevent toxic algal We are expecting this agreement – designed to
blooms in the western basin of Lake Erie. support the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes
OFA and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities basin ecosystem – to be finalized in 2020. And OFA is
Initiative administer the project with provincial and urging the government to continue the dialogue with
federal funding support. In 2019, several demonstration the agricultural community as more details arise around
sites for this project got up and running in the Chatham, the Canada-Ontario Agreement related to Great Lakes
Oxford and London areas. water quality.
To demonstrate the important work of this project to
all stakeholders, a group of more than 50 representatives
from government, environmental groups, First Nations,
farm groups, conservation authorities, and university staff
and students toured some of the sites in June 2019.
The winter months will be the first full test of most of
the technologies as phosphorus runoff occurs mainly in
the winter and during large rain events.
OFA continues to monitor our test sites and report
on how well the technologies are performing, and
the success of intercepting and removing phosphorus
from field runoff. We will be conducting another
demonstration site tour this summer and commit to
publicizing our results.
For more information, visit thamesriverprc.com.
8
Skilled labour: an ongoing
challenge for our sector
Canada’s agricultural industry is facing a unique labour Building on successful programs like the Seasonal
challenge. According to the Canadian Agricultural Agricultural Workers Program, OFA continues to advocate
Human Resources Council, Canadian farms are facing for practical labour programs that include domestic and
a labour gap of 63,000 workers, and more than 16,000 international farm workers, and residency programs for
unfilled vacancies. A shortage of skilled labour has labourers and immigrants.
serious economic implications and can amount to lost OFA supports the principle of providing jobs to
annual sales of more than $2.9 billion per year, in addition Canadians, but we also depend on foreign labour to fill
to delayed or cancelled business expansion plans and a significant and ever-increasing shortfall in farm labour.
excessive stress for farm business owners. As the agri-food industry relies more and more on
Farmers across Canada need improved support immigration and off-shore labour to work on our farms
for labour programs. We need to promote agricultural and in our rural communities, we need a realistic pathway
careers to Canadian youth, support the Seasonal to permanent residency for farm and food workers.
Agricultural Workers Program and streamline the OFA continues to work with all levels of government
Temporary Foreign Worker Program. to improve policies that support a skilled work force
The Ontario agri-food sector relies on a skilled labour in agriculture, and prosperous rural communities that
force to bring our diverse range of products to market. continue to drive economic growth for the province.
9
We need better
broadband now
OFA has been advocating for secure, reliable broadband But then in August 2019, there was another blow
and cell service across rural, remote and northern to the promise of better broadband when Bell Canada
Ontario for many years. Without it, our businesses, announced it was cutting back on wireless home internet
rural residents and schools are at a competitive expansion into rural areas of the province by 20%.
disadvantage. There have been some promising The announcement was made in response to the CRTC’s
announcements but continued frustration around the ruling that smaller internet service providers would pay
progress to ensure every corner of the province has lower “wholesale” prices for Bell’s infrastructure.
access to this essential service.
OFA is urging the federal government
to speed up timelines to ensure 95%
of Canadians have high-speed internet
by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
It’s been three years since the Canadian Radio-
television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)
declared high-speed internet as a basic service for
Canadians. At that time, CRTC committed $750 million
over five years for upgrades. But this investment
included unrealistic eligibility criteria that could exclude
100,000 southwestern Ontario rural families from
upgrades to their internet service. In early 2019, OFA
launched a letter-writing campaign through its Act Now
website as a way to help members let their MPs know
about their frustration with the lack of broadband. More
than 450 letters were sent by OFA members and rural
OFA continues to push federal and provincial governments,
residents to federal ministers. and the CRTC, to work with the big telecom providers to
The provincial government announced a $315 million secure reliable, high-speed broadband across rural Ontario.
investment over five years to support cell and internet
service in rural and northern communities in its 2019
budget in June. This funding is expected to impact up It’s been another challenging year for rural
to 220,000 homes and businesses that currently don’t communities and the promise of reliable internet
have access to broadband or are underserved. OFA is across the province. OFA continues to push federal and
encouraged by this investment as better broadband has provincial governments, and the CRTC, to work with the
been a key part of our Producing Prosperity in Ontario big telecom providers to find some common ground so
(producingprosperity.ca) advocacy campaign. We will rural Ontario does not continue to be held hostage in
be working with government and private sector service no and low service areas. And we are urging the federal
companies to get more of rural Ontario connected. government to speed up timelines for a national target
to ensure 95% of Canadians have high-speed internet
by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
10Making mental health
a bigger priority
Conversations about the state of our mental wellness Federal report recommendations
on the farm have become increasingly more open, The House of Commons Committee on Agriculture
honest and accepted over the last few years. Thanks released a report in May 2019, Mental Health: A Priority
to the work of many organizations, and the number for our Farmers. The report contains 10 recommendations
of farmers sharing their stories, we are reducing that touch on a number of aspects of farm operations
the stigma of talking about mental health in our that impact/influence mental health – farm labour,
agricultural community. regulatory changes, harassment and e-health services.
OFA understands the challenges of mental health The full report is available on the House of Commons
in agriculture, and through advocacy and support is website at ourcommons.ca.
working to reduce barriers to improve mental health OFA believes the federal and provincial governments
and resilience within our agricultural community. There must collaborate to successfully implement the report
are a growing number of resources and programs being recommendations. The recommendations support and
developed to create awareness and support mental align with several initiatives OFA has advocated for over
health in the agriculture sector. OFA supports a number the past several years.
of mental health initiatives that are working to make a We need high-speed internet across rural Ontario to
difference in local, rural communities. support options for e-health services for mental health.
• L&A Farmer Wellness Program – the first of When the government considers regulatory changes,
its kind in Ontario that is specifically designed the impact on the agricultural sector must be fully
to support the mental wellbeing of farmers. considered, and this may include an impact on mental
farmerwellnessprogram.ca health. The incidence of on-farm trespassing and
• Do More Ag Foundation – a Canadian harassment continues by activists – and causes
not-for-profit dedicated to increasing mental tremendous stress to farm families. One of the report
health literacy and access to funding for recommendations would elevate cyber bullying and
mental health first aid. domore.ag intimidation to a Criminal Code offense.
• Mental Health in Agriculture workshop – jointly The Ontario farm community needs accessible and
hosted with the L&A Farmer Wellness Program at relevant mental health resources and training to promote
the Ottawa Valley Farm Show. wellness and build resilience to the enormous
• In the Know – University of Guelph mental occupational stresses they face. OFA continues to
health literacy programming for rural and engage with all levels of government on the importance
agricultural communities. of mental health in agriculture, and the resources
needed to support our sector.
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11CFA update: a look at federal
advocacy for agriculture
When it comes to advocating for national issues, Ontario Action on trade issues
farmers have a strong voice through the Canadian While CFA made great strides in getting agriculture on
Federation of Agriculture (CFA). As a provincial general the agenda during the federal election, Canadian farmers
farm organization, OFA is a member of CFA, and relies were facing serious threats to their farm businesses with
on the national organization to represent producers of global trade disruptions.
all commodities, who operate farms of all sizes, totaling
200,000 Canadian farm families from coast to coast.
Producing Prosperity in Canada
Building on the success of OFA’s Producing Prosperity
in Ontario campaign during the 2018 provincial election,
CFA launched the Producing Prosperity in Canada (PPiC)
campaign (producingprosperitycanada.ca) in 2019 to
increase agriculture’s prominence in the federal election.
The messaging focused on the importance of economic
development, environmental stewardship and food
security. Campaign activities included a press launch,
Parliament Hill lobby day and pledge signing, and a
national agriculture leaders’ debate.
CFA’s PPiC campaign was a huge success, with a
616% increase in viewers of the leader’s debate (over the
previous 2015 debate) and an increased focus on
agriculture in all party platforms. CFA will continue
focusing on PPiC messaging in 2020, working with the
new federal government to secure a national agri-food CFA President, Mary Robinson addresses
focus and understanding. delegates at OFA’s 2019 Annual General Meeting.
Canadian farmers were burdened with a variety of trade
issues in 2019. From the first sign of concern, CFA worked
to communicate the urgent need for assistance for farm
businesses to navigate the new global landscape and
remain sustainable. As part of the AgGrowth Coalition,
CFA pushed for Business Risk Management (BRM)
programming reform throughout 2019 to help address
many of the challenges faced by export-oriented farmers
who were experiencing significant market disruptions.
Canada produces twice as much food as we
consume, making export markets vital for the success of
our national agri-food industry. That’s why CFA supports
the federal government’s continued pursuit of opening
new market opportunities for Canadian agriculture.
However, after trade agreements are signed, parties
often stifle market access with domestic policies and
non-tariff trade barriers.
12Monitoring trade agreements • Work with CFA’s national partners in AgGrowth
CFA believes trade agreements must result in real Coalition, alongside provincial and commodity
market access opportunities for Canadian exporters. members, to prioritize trade and support program
That’s why CFA called on the federal government issues and advocate for urgent enhancements to
throughout 2019 to actively monitor the practices AgriStability and to the broader BRM suite.
of our trading partners. We needed to ensure they
were following the spirit of free trade agreements and Long-term priorities
to challenge any non-tariff barriers that would have • Seek dedicated rural infrastructure funding,
effectively reduced the market access commitments including access to natural gas, transportation and
they made to Canada in trade agreements. rural community infrastructure to support growth in
Canadian farmers are required to comply with a our vibrant communities.
rigorous regulatory regime to ensure food safety and • Advocate for support to all supply managed
quality. So, it is important that imported food meet the industries affected by trade agreements, while
same regulatory standards as our domestic products. supporting aquaculture and horticulture in seeing
CFA has urged the government to ensure that imports their respective policy objectives met.
be held to the same standards as Canadian domestic • Continue advocating for ecological goods and
products. If our farmers have to incur additional costs to services programming and additional funding for
comply with food safety and environmental standards, climate-change related agricultural research.
we should not have to compete with food products • Clarify rural broadband deployment timelines
produced under less rigorous or lower cost standards. and determine if additional steps are needed to
Canadian producers of supply managed products secure affordability and equitable access to
have seen their markets deteriorate with each successive broadband for rural residents and farms.
trade agreement Canada has signed. The CFA’s position • Monitor agri-food immigration pilot and ensure
is that supply management has ceded enough market it works for year-round farm needs, while
access already and calls on the federal government supporting additional employer and community-
to fully mitigate these losses and not allow any further sponsored streams for all skill levels.
market access concessions for supply-managed products • Re-assess federal political landscape to prioritize
in future trade agreements. CFA activities.
The CN Rail strike in late 2019 came at a crucial time
for farmers. CFA called on the federal government to
quickly address the issue before markets were lost
and trade relationships between good-will partners
deteriorated at a time when trade tensions were at an
Better Farming readers receive the top insight
all-time high.
on Ontario ag in each and every issue.
CFA priorities for 2020 LESSONS
FROM 2019
CFA will be focused on a mix of short-and long-term
52
priorities in 2020. JANUARY 2020 $8
Short-term priorities
• Educate members of parliament on the importance TRESPASSING
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Deterring Intruders Looking Ahead
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13Reducing farm
tax ratios
As many Ontario farmers well know, farm property farmers that’s being driven by disproportionately large
taxes have been increasing at a rate dramatically higher MPAC assessments for farm properties.
than residential and commercial properties over the Through one-on-one meetings across the province,
past several years. The Municipal Property Assessment we have had 18 county and single-tier municipal
Corporation (MPAC) works on a four-year cycle of governments (to date) agree to lower the farm tax
conducting property assessments across Ontario that ratio (below 0.25) to help offset the impact of
are used to calculate property taxes. 2020 is the final MPAC assessments.
year of the current four-year assessment cycle, and We are continuing to work with county federations
during that time, farm property taxes have increased that are interested in engaging with county and municipal
by an average of 64%, while assessments for residential, governments on this property tax issue. Any OFA
commercial and industrial have remained relatively flat. members that are concerned about the tax ratio in
Ontario farmers have been shouldering more and their area are encouraged to talk to their local county
more of the property tax burden and it has not been federation or Member Service Representative.
uncommon for farm property taxes to increase by MPAC will be releasing their updated assessments
double digits. this fall, to be phased in from 2021-2025. OFA will
OFA has been working closely with county federations be working closely with MPAC to ensure the new
over the past several years to advocate with county assessments, and the impact on farm property taxes,
and municipal governments. We’re encouraging them are clearly communicated to Ontario farmers.
to reduce the farm tax ratio to offset the tax burden on
14Designing an effective
carbon offset system
In 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada 3. Key elements of an offset system must be
released a discussion paper on its proposed pricing developed by people who understand agricultural
system for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – Carbon offsets. For a carbon offset system to be effective,
Pollution Pricing: Options for a Federal GHG Offset it must identify and recognize the industries and
System. The proposal includes the use of carbon offset activities that generate carbon credits. Agriculture
credits – a concept OFA has long supported for farm generates carbon credits and that’s why we need
activities that reduce GHG emissions. to be a key player in the design of this system.
OFA has been a vocal advocate for the positive 4. A new carbon offset system must be retroactive
role agriculture has in addressing climate change to include credits generated for earlier activities
and the contributions our sector can make to reduce done by the agricultural sector, such as on-farm
greenhouse gas. Our formal response to the federal stewardship activities that have been generating
government’s carbon pollution pricing document carbon offsets for years.
included four key points that impact Ontario agriculture. OFA is confident that a new, well thought out carbon
1. OFA supports the concept of using carbon offset system can provide a necessary bridge for industries
offset credits for farming activities that result in to make cost-effective transitions to cleaner activities,
GHG reductions. and provide new opportunities for agriculture to be
2. An offset credit system must be simple, recognized for its ongoing role in reducing greenhouse
administratively efficient and provide an adequate gas emissions.
financial incentive for farmers. Agriculture
represents the largest group of private In a carbon offset system, an offset credit is
landowners in the province with tremendous generated when a project follows a set of rules to
potential to provide carbon offset credits to other reduce GHG emissions beyond what would have
sectors. But this program will take time to plan, happened in the absence of that project. The credits
develop, execute and verify, and we need can then be sold to regulated industries to offset
realistic timelines with adequate time for famers their excess GHG emissions.
to fully participate.
OFA continues to promote agriculture’s role in a carbon offset system.
15Proud to Lead fund supports
member engagement
A record-setting 30 local community projects were The event drew more than 500 people to engage
funded in 2019 as part of the OFA’s Proud to Lead with agricultural representatives, receive information
“Involve” Fund. Each project was organized and hosted handouts and learn about the MFA. Event organizers
by local federations, focusing on the promotion of noted the evening offered a new opportunity for
member participation, advocacy and leadership in their interaction and collaboration – for consumers, agri-food
areas. Proud to Lead is funded by contributions from representatives and local federation members.
OFA, Farm Credit Canada and local federations.
The “Involve” Fund was developed to help promote Celebrating water quality
and support new training and engagement events for In 2019, Wellington County celebrated 20 years of the
OFA members. The program offers county and regional successful Wellington Rural Water Quality Program.
federations financial support to increase visibility in To mark the milestone, the Wellington Federation
their local communities while engaging OFA members of Agriculture (WFA) partnered with the Grand River
and promoting membership. Here is a sampling of Conservation Authority to host a bus tour for municipal
the successful 2019 projects funded by the Proud to councillors, staff and local politicians. The event
Lead “Involve” Fund. For more information or to access combined education and advocacy, and introduced
funding applications, visit ofa.on.ca. elected officials to rural water quality projects completed
by county farmers.
A night at the races
Middlesex Federation of Agriculture (MFA) took a new
approach to their annual agriculture night at the races
in 2019. Already a popular event with local federation
members, commodity groups, associations and agri-
businesses, the spring race night at the Western Fair
extended the audience reach by inviting anyone at the
races to visit the event.
The County of Wellington provides annual funding to
the program, and the WFA used the event to demonstrate
to councillors – who vote on the county budget – the
Financial support from the Proud to Lead “Involve” Fund value of the projects and environmental and economic
helped organizers purchase copies of the Real Dirt on contributions made by local farmers. Attendees were
Farming agricultural education booklets and door prizes. able to see the success of projects firsthand, and event
Invitations to the event, in the form of draw ballots, were organizers noted the quality of questions and positive
distributed to all race night attendees, inviting people to dialogue between federation members and councillors.
visit the agricultural event and enter the draw.
16Political touring MPP, presenting concerns and discussing local issues.
Local advocacy efforts in Lanark County include an An information social featuring pie and ice cream followed
annual ag focused municipal bus tour. Support from the discussion forum.
the “Involve” Fund helped the Lanark Federation
of Agriculture host its third annual political bus tour Mental health matters
in April 2019. Federation members partnered with In March 2019, the Lambton Federation of Agriculture
representatives from the Beef Farmers of Ontario and (LFA) partnered with Lambton Farm Safety to host a
Grain Farmers of Ontario, inviting county and municipal mental health seminar. With a focus on the unique
councillors and staff to participate in a day-long tour stresses and situations facing farmers, speakers
of Lanark farms and agri-businesses to showcase the discussed warning signs, the importance of asking for
diversity and economic impact of the industry. help, reaching out to others and where farmers can go
The tour visited dairy and sheep farms, the Canadian to seek help.
Cooperative Wool Growers, a dairy distillery and lunched Funding from the “Involve” Fund supported the
at a sugar bush restaurant. Tour participants agreed Lambton Federation’s outreach and awareness of mental
the event was a great opportunity to engage with local health in their local agricultural community.
agricultural representatives, meet farmers and agri- The LFA recognizes that mental health is an issue
business owners and learn about the issues facing their for many and can be a difficult topic to approach. The
local agriculture and food industry. seminar was well attended, with open dialogue and
Lanark federation members also circulated The participation. Organizers were pleased with the event
Agriculture Matters: A Guide for Municipal Councillors and the clear take home message that “we are all here
and Staff resource with newly elected municipal for each other.”
councillors and information was referenced during
the bus tour. Road safety signs
Bruce County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) members
Pie and politics were invited to upgrade their slow moving vehicle (SMV)
The Essex and Kent Federations of Agriculture know how signs in 2019. Sponsored by the BCFA and the “Involve”
to attract a crowd – just add pie. More than 40 members Fund, local members had the opportunity to trade in
of the local community from both counties attended the their old, faded or deteriorated SMV signs at the Chesley
July “Politics and Pie” event with local MPP Rick Nicholls Midwestern Agrifair last spring.
in July 2019.
The local federation used the sign trade-in
The evening event featured a welcome speech from opportunity to engage with members – discussing
Nicholls, followed by an hour-long question and answer issues and concerns, promoting the BCFA and
period. More than 50 questions were submitted ahead reminding farmers about the importance of road and
of the event, reviewed by federation directors and farm safety. The SMV trade-in event was a success, and
presented to Nicholls. The event offered a unique forum many members expressed their appreciation for the
for the local agricultural community to engage with their upgraded signs.
17New Provincial Animal Welfare
Services Act
The provincial government introduced Bill 136, the the term “psychological hardship.” OFA opposes this
Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act on term as it is not defined and has the potential to extend
October 29, 2019. Bill 136 replaces the Ontario Society the scope of distress. We also don’t support a proposal
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act, in the new act to defer to a municipal bylaw that “affords
parts of which were initially ruled unconstitutional by greater protection to animals.” This provision has the
a judge in January 2019. Later in 2019, the OSPCA potential to create a patchwork of different animal
completely withdrew from enforcing the OSPCA Act. care rules by municipality. OFA will be advocating for
uniform, province-wide animal care rules.
The new PAWS Act replaces Similar to other statutes, the PAWS Act imposes
the OSPCA Act. higher penalties on corporations. OFA will highlight
that many Ontario farms are incorporated to facilitate
The PAWS Act creates a new provincial enforcement intergenerational transfers of the family farm. Higher
system for Ontario, headed up by the Chief Animal penalties could expose an individual who is the sole
Welfare Inspector and enforced through inspectors shareholder of their farm corporation to these higher
employed by the provincial government. The new act “corporate” penalties.
addresses the accountability, transparency and public In late November 2019, OFA president Keith Currie,
reporting shortfalls under the previous OSPCA Act. along with OFA policy research staff, appeared before
Provincial animal welfare inspectors will be required the Legislative Standing Committee on Justice Policy
to complete specified training before undertaking their and provided comments regarding Bill 136. OFA also
responsibilities and will be subject to a code of conduct provided a written submission to the Standing
and a formal complaints process. Committee on Justice Policy. OFA continues to provide
OFA opposes a few elements of the new legislation. recommendations and advice to government as the
The proposed new definition for animal distress includes new act continues to develop.
OFA continues to work with the provincial government for uniform, province-wide animal care rules under the new PAWS Act.
18Managing waste
in rural Ontario
Changes are coming to how waste, especially plastic Steering Committee established by MECP to
waste, is managed in Ontario and across Canada. provide input to the ministry, review draft materials
As more people are focused on reducing waste, the and advise on appropriate standards and practices.
discussions around single-use plastics, compostable We expect the committee to launch educational
products and packaging, and a transition from blue box materials in 2020 under the Reducing Litter and
recycling to a producer-pay model have implications for Waste in our Communities.
our farm businesses. But Ontario’s model for revitalizing recycling breaks
Rural agricultural communities will also face increased down in rural areas, where fewer landfills spaced
restrictions on acceptable waste materials, and limited farther apart, and thinly dispersed populations, make
access to landfill as a disposal option. That heightens it proportionately more expensive to manage waste.
the need for proper recycling options or disposal of The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance
plastics and other materials used on the farm. (NOFIA) is working with stakeholders, including OFA,
Farmers are in a unique position to be involved in all on solutions for rural Ontario. One of the ideas being
stages of waste management. We generate waste from piloted is supplying small tractor-powered compactors
primary food production and processing, and the use of for farmers to create compacted skids of bale wrap
herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides. And we produce and other plastic waste. The compacted waste is
feedstocks that generate new energy options – reusing transported to facilities that pelletize the recycled plastic
waste to create biomass, bioenergy and biochemicals. for new products or use the material in biochemical
In 2019, the Ministry of the Environment, production of bio-oils and green fuels.
Conservation and Parks (MECP) released a discussion OFA will continue to support research that addresses
paper – Reducing Litter and Waste in Our Communities the problem of waste generation by improving resource
– as part of the government’s Made-in-Ontario recovery. The goal is to work towards a circular economy
Environmental Plan to reduce and divert food and that has zero-waste and zero greenhouse gas emissions
organic waste. OFA is part of a Food and Organic Waste from the waste sector.
#MeetYourDirector
OFA’s 18-member Board of Directors represent grassroots member Here are a few director profiles that have
interests and concerns. They are responsible for representing been shared on OFA’s social media channels –
their local areas and the broader province. OFA launched a social @OntarioFarms
campaign in 2019, giving members a new opportunity to get to facebook.com/ontariofarms
know their provincial directors, highlighting their experiences and instagram.com/ontariofarms
accomplishments in our agri-food industry. Watch for new profile posts in 2020.
ontariofarms ontariofarms ontariofarms ontariofarms
#MeetyourDirector Jackie Kelly-Pemberton #MeetyourDirector Peggy Brekveld #MeetyourDirector Rejean Pommainville, #MeetyourDirector Crispin Colvin
@marriedafarmer, Zone 11 Director @PeggyBrekveld Vice President and Zone 14 Director representing the @cricolvin, Zone 6 Director representing
representing the counties of Dundas, Director at Large on the OFA Board counties of Stormont, Glengarry, the counties of Lambton and Middlesex.
Frontenac, Grenville & Leeds. of directors. Prescott and Russell.
19We’re in the getting our hands dirty business. The All-New 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Impressive towing capabilities you can rely on when duty calls. FIND SPECIAL OFA MEMBER INCENTIVES AT OFA.ON.CA
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LEARN MORE AT gmfleet.caThe growing threat
from activism
Last year was a challenging one for activities from animal New legislation was announced December 2, 2019.
activists and trespassers on Ontario farms. Activists are OFA President Keith Currie was on-hand at Queen's Park
causing significant disruptions to the entire agri-food as the Ontario government introduced new legislation
sector, especially for livestock farmers and transporters. that will protect farmers, livestock and food supply chain.
Uninvited individuals and organizations are causing The Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety
health and safety concerns and undue stress to Ontario Act, 2019 is expected to bring a balanced approach
farmers, their families and their businesses. to protecting farms, farmers, livestock, transportation
and food safety without jeopardizing citizen rights to
If you experience unwanted visitors protesting. OFA welcomes the implementation of these
or have activists show up on your farm, protective measures to ensure the safety of their farms,
call OPP and indicate an immediate threat families, employees and livestock from unwanted visitors
to yourself and/or your farm property. and trespassers. OFA will continue to follow the Security
from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019 as it
Peaceful protests have now escalated to trespassing, moves through the legislature.
invasions, barn break-ins and harassment. These incidents OFA continues to work with our agricultural industry
distress farmers, their families and employees, and partners to raise awareness of this serious issue, and
threaten the health of livestock and crops when activists advocate with the provincial government to ensure the
breach biosecurity protocols. safety of Ontario’s farm families and their employees.
The legal system has offered little protection to
intensifying incidents, and police seem reluctant to lay
charges. To address the growing threat of activism and
to put additional pressure on the government and policy
makers, OFA created an online letter-writing campaign
through its Act Now website, actnow.ofa.on.ca, for
members to use to contact their MPP directly to voice
their concerns.
More than 700 letters were sent to MPPs, the provincial
Attorney General, Premier Ford and Minister Hardeman,
Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
In response to the growing threat, the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has
been tasked with improving existing legislation
and developing new legislation to address on-farm
biosecurity and trespassing. Ontario’s new Security from Trespass and Protecting Food
Safety Act, 2019 is expected to bring a balanced approach
to protecting farms, farmers, livestock, transportation and
food safety.
22The continued push for natural
gas across rural Ontario
Greater access to natural gas has significant implications future. Renewable natural gas is biogas or biomethane
for Ontario farmers. And it continues to be a key that’s generated from municipal organic waste, farm
focus area for OFA advocacy as we push for greater waste or biomass. That means agriculture can play a
infrastructure. We know it’s a more affordable option key role in providing cleaner energy across Ontario.
that will dramatically boost business opportunities by But first, we need the infrastructure investment from
lowering energy costs for farms and rural communities. government.
At OFA’s 2019 Annual General Meeting, Ernie
Today, only 20% of rural Ontario Hardeman, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food
is serviced with clean, abundant and Rural Affairs, announced consultations to help
and affordable natural gas. identify new opportunities for Ontario farmers to
expand into the renewable natural gas market through
There have been recent announcements by the the biogas sector.
provincial government that hold promise for agriculture We continue to keep close tabs on the progress
and our rural communities. In the summer of 2019, of natural gas expansion in rural Ontario. It’s key to
the government launched the Natural Gas Expansion ensuring our farm businesses and local communities
Support Program (NGESP) to extend natural gas and can operate in a competitive environment with
encourage communities to partner with gas distributors affordable energy options.
to help make that happen. Since July 1, 2019, NGESP
has added a $1 customer charge to residential gas bills
in Ontario – money that will fund natural gas expansion
projects. OFA recommends government ensure a
long-term, phased approach to support natural gas
expansion across rural and Indigenous communities.
We need smart expansion – a concept that combines
community expansion opportunities with economic
development opportunities. This means expansion
routes must include rural homes, Ontario farms and
local businesses.
A greener way to fuel the province
Natural gas also provides the cleanest and most reliable
supply of fossil fuel for Ontario. Renewable natural gas
offers an even better option for a more environmentally
sustainable source of energy for the province, and
agricultural byproducts can help fuel this cleaner energy.
While natural gas is technically a greenhouse gas,
it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, emitting lower
levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and
nitrous oxide.
There’s another opportunity to expand infrastructure
for natural gas across rural Ontario – in addition to a
reliable, cost efficient source of energy. The pipeline If natural gas was available across the province, it would free
assets that are required for natural gas also bring the up $1.1 billion in annual energy savings.
option of carrying renewable natural gas energy in the
23Q&A with OFA
General Manager
OFA welcomed Cathy Lennon as general manager of the foundation of communication, collaboration and
the organization in September 2019. We sat down with the ability to listen to the issues and concerns at the
her to discuss her view of Canada’s largest general farm grassroots level and apply it to policy development,
organization, the challenges facing Ontario farmers and advocacy efforts or research projects. Without the ability
the future direction of the organization. to communicate key messages on issues impacting
the agri-food sector to our membership and industry
Why did you choose to join OFA as stakeholders, we lose the ability to speak with a unified
general manager? voice. Representing and advocating for the interests
Cathy: Throughout my career I’ve had an opportunity of 38,000 farm families and their rural communities
to work in livestock, vegetables, grains and oilseeds, can only be achieved successfully through consistent
government and finance. In each position I have worked communication. It takes a collaborative effort across the
with farmers, agri-businesses and industry associations organization and I will strive to ensure OFA continues
in a wide variety of areas and topics from marketing, to provide a high level of communication to our
research, environment, advocacy, government relations membership and industry partners. Communication,
and negotiations. When the position of OFA general collaboration and execution – three valuable assets for
manager became available, I saw it as an opportunity to a successful lobby organization.
weave together all of my existing knowledge, expertise
and passion into one role and one organization.
What’s the role of a general farm organization
like OFA in today’s agri-food industry?
Cathy: OFA plays a key role in digging deeper to
understand the key issues and opportunities facing
the farm community. We provide a united voice for
our members to municipal, provincial and federal
governments, to other players in the agriculture and
food value chain and to the general public. And the
goal is always to ensure the viability, sustainability and
profitability of the farm sector.
What has been a highlight so far in your new role?
Cathy: A highlight has definitely been getting to
know the OFA staff – those that work with me in the Cathy Lennon, OFA General Manager.
Guelph office as well as our MSR team serving our
members across the province. OFA’s staff are an
incredible asset to our industry, they are a group of What issues will OFA focus on in 2020?
positive, professional, passionate, knowledgeable Cathy: OFA will continue to focus on Producing
and dedicated individuals working on behalf of Prosperity in Ontario and the need for distributed
Ontario agriculture, every single day. economic development opportunities across the
province and investments in rural infrastructure. As an
What do you want OFA members to know about advocate for Ontario farmers and their communities,
their new leader? we understand the health of rural communities has a
Cathy: I believe in the impact a strong, unified voice direct impact on our farm businesses, which is why we
can have when advocating for Ontario’s agriculture will continue to push for natural gas expansion across
and food industry. A successful organization is built on the province as well as access to fast, reliable internet.
24You can also read
