By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Across Ontario, municipal councils make decisions every day that shape the future of our communities — decisions about land use, infrastructure, services and local economies. With municipal elections coming up this October, there is an important opportunity in front of us: encouraging more farmers and rural leaders to step forward and run for council.
The agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy and rural communities, contributing more than $51 billion to the provincial economy every year. It employs 10 per cent of Ontario’s workforce, drives local business activity, and contributes significantly to municipal tax bases.
Yet too often, the agricultural perspective is missing from the council table when key decisions are being made.
That gap matters.
Many of the issues that directly affect farm businesses are decided at the municipal level. Land use planning determines how farm businesses can grow and expand, or whether prime farmland is protected or lost to development.
Local by-laws can influence how farms operate day to day. Infrastructure decisions — from roads and bridges to drainage and utilities — impact how efficiently farmers can move goods and run their businesses.
Municipal services like childcare, long-term care, emergency response and community facilities all play a role in making rural communities places where Ontarians can live and work.
When those decisions are made without a clear understanding of agriculture, the result can be unintended consequences for farm businesses and the broader food system.
That’s why having strong agricultural voices at the council table is so important.
Farmers bring a practical, solutions-focused perspective. They understand long-term planning, risk management, environmental stewardship and the realities of running a business in a competitive and uncertain environment. They are used to balancing economic, environmental and social priorities — the same balancing act municipal leaders face every day.
They also bring something equally valuable: a direct connection to the land and to food production at a time when many Ontarians are increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from.
This is particularly critical as pressures on farmland continue to grow. Urban expansion, infrastructure development and competing land uses are putting increasing strain on Ontario’s finite supply of prime agricultural land. Protecting that land base is essential not only for farmers, but for long-term food security and economic resilience across the province.
Encouraging farmers to run for council is one of the most effective ways to ensure those considerations are part of local decision-making – and with municipal elections coming up in Ontario this October, now is the chance to take action.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) shares many of these sentiments with the OFA, and ROMA chair Christa Lowry perhaps says it best when she notes that when we talk about encouraging people to run for council, we are talking about investing in the future of our own backyard. Strong local leadership today helps ensure healthy rural communities, economic resilience, and a sustainable food system for generations to come.
For those who may be considering it, it’s important to know you don’t need to have all the answers before putting your name forward. Strong municipal leaders come from a wide range of backgrounds, and the most important qualification is a willingness to serve your community and bring your perspective to the table.
There are also resources available to help.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has various tools and fact sheets designed to support current and prospective municipal councillors. These resources, ofa.on.ca/resources/encouraging-farmers-to-run-for-municipal-council, help explain how municipal government works, outline key issues affecting agriculture, and provide practical guidance for those interested in running for office.
For any OFA members considering a run for council this fall, OFA’s province-wide Member Service Representative team is also available to connect OFA members with information and support on key issues facing farmers and rural communities.
ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and AMO has also developed a suite of resources designed to help Ontarians decide whether to throw their hat in the ring for a municipal council position.
We encourage farmers and rural leaders to think about the role they can play in shaping their communities. Whether it’s putting your name on the ballot, supporting a candidate, or simply starting the conversation, every step helps strengthen local leadership.
Because when agriculture has a voice at the council table, the entire community benefits.Top of FormBottom of Form
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883
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