Producers are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues. Stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion and burnout are all high among producers.

If you are in crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately.

Stressed? Help is available. Click here.

Search Wellington Federation of Agriculture

OFA News Releases

The latest news releases from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. View on the OFA website.

The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations named below are pleased to find common ground with the Ontario government in respect to protecting farmland under the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, with thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, for their willingness to meet with farmers on this issue, better understand our position and work together to find a resolution on this matter.

GUELPH, ON [December 7, 2020] – Ontario’s conservation authorities provide a watershed level planning perspective that transcends municipal borders, one that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) supports and one that deserves support, not only from the province but also from municipalities.

“Agriculture and conservation authorities have a vested interest in the health and sustainability of our land and our waterways,” said Peggy Brekveld, OFA President. “Ensuring conservation authorities can adequately fulfill their roles and responsibilities is important in enabling farmers and landowners to be able to protect our most vital land and water resources.”

This is about the long-term planning for protecting and preserving our productive land and water resources.

The proposed amendments to Schedule 6 will negatively impact a conservation authority’s role in watershed level planning as well as their role in keeping development out of hazardous areas, such as flood plains, erodible beaches, etc.

That watershed level planning perspective transcends not only municipal boundaries, but also the boundaries of unique features, such as the Oak Ridges Moraine, as well as protected spaces like the Greenbelt Plan area. Development activities occurring outside the Greenbelt will have negative impacts to protected spaces in the Greenbelt Plan area.

OFA strongly supports plans for an agricultural representative to have a voice and seat at the board table of the conservation authorities. We believe those on the board should have a vested interest in the conservation authority area they’re representing.

However, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has proposed a new section to Schedule 6 which would require a conservation authority to issue a permit when the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issues a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO), which can override a conservation authority’s watershed-based decision. The new section requires the conservation authority to issue the permit even if the application does not meet their criteria for issuing a permit and/or contravenes provincial policies and plans. OFA opposes the government’s abuse of its MZO powers.

As an organization, we understand the importance of conservation authorities to be able to implement stop work orders when things are not going well or as planned. In those situations, prompt action is vital.

OFA also agrees that conservation authorities have a role and responsibility in development related to natural hazards and the conservation and management of lands, the ability to appeal planning decisions is appropriate.

OFA emphasizes that there is only one Ontario landscape, meaning that the full range of land uses found across Ontario; urban, rural, agricultural, natural heritage, cultural heritage and mineral extraction, must share that landscape. Our agricultural areas not only provide us with food, fibre and fuel, but also a broad range of environmental and ecological goods and services that benefit all Ontarians. Ontario’s conservation authorities play a vital role in fulfilling that perspective through their role in watershed level planning.

It is evident that more time and consultation is needed to develop workable solutions for all stakeholders.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer. For more information, visit ofa.on.ca.

For more information, contact:

Peggy Brekveld
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GUELPH, ON [December 9, 2019] – Three leading agri-food organizations came together at Queen’s Park to highlight growth opportunities for food production and processing, explain the significant economic impact of the sector and outline necessary infrastructure investments to expand the industry. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), together with the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) and Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) presented the state of Ontario’s agri-food sector to representatives at Queen’s Park today.

“The agri-food industry is a powerhouse for the province. When you consider key economic indicators – contributing more than $47 billion to Ontario’s GDP and supporting $8.1 billion in annual wages and salaries – our industry is making tremendous contributions to the prosperity of all Ontarians,” says OFA President Keith Currie.

OFA outlined the challenges the agri-food sector in Ontario and across Canada faced in 2019. Market disruptions, trade issues, labour disputes and weather have made it a difficult year for most farmers and OFA members. Despite the challenges of the 2019 season, OFA noted progress on agricultural files with the provincial government – announcements on red tape reduction, natural gas expansion, broadband infrastructure, the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and the latest Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act. “Working together, we can unlock continued economic growth and opportunities for agri-food and our rural communities,” says Currie.

Dave Buttenham, CEO of OABA remarked on recent government announcements that have supported their members, including red tape reduction and proposed changes to modernize the Ontario Pesticides Act. Buttenham also outlined necessary regulatory changes to enable agri-business to continue to grow and remain competitive. “The agri-business sector is a key stakeholder in the agri-food value chain, with over 340 member firms providing essential products and services to over 40,000 farmers in the province on a daily basis,” says Buttenham. “The sector is proud to partner with their Ontario farm customers in the production of safe and nutritious food with a direct emphasis on food safety, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and farm profitability.

“It is through our supply chain partners and positive relations with this government that the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Ontario will thrive,” says Norm Beal, CEO, Food and Beverage Ontario “Together, we can find the right solutions to achieving a competitive environment for businesses and an excellent quality of life for the people of Ontario.”

Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.

Ontario Agri Business Association
The Ontario Agri Business Association is an industry association representing over 340 member locations in operating in the crop input supply, grain elevator and animal feed manufacturing sector. The sector provides direct employment to over 8,000 Ontarians, and contributes over $4 billion in direct economic output annually to the Ontario economy.  Member firms provide essential products and services to Ontario farms that play a key role in the production of safe and nutritious food.

Food and Beverage Ontario
Food and Beverage Ontario is a non-profit, leadership organization representing all types and sizes of food and beverage manufacturing businesses in the province. Our focus is on the success and growth of the sector by advancing industry priorities with stakeholders and government.

GUELPH, ON – Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) members from across the province met this week to discuss the agri-food sector’s potential for growth, vote for leadership of the organization and address related challenges facing the industry.

More than 350 agricultural representatives met in Hamilton at the OFA annual general meeting (AGM) November 19-20. Keith Currie, OFA’s 31st president, was acclaimed for his third one-year term. Voting delegates re-elected Peggy Brekveld and Mark Reusser to the vice president positions. Drew Spoelstra was elected by the board as the fourth executive member. Joining the OFA board this year is Hugh Simpson, elected at the AGM as Director-at-Large and Melissa Schneider, representing Zone 4 – Elgin and Oxford counties. Two long-time directors retired from OFA’s board this year, Mark Wales and Peter Lambrick. OFA’s Board of Directors is made up of 18 positions representing regions across Ontario.

GUELPH, ON – Lauren Benoit, Tamara Hamilton and Megan Wright all received a special education bursary from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) yesterday at the organization’s annual meeting. The three Ontario university students will each receive $2,000 towards their continuing agricultural education. Bursary funds were raised through a silent auction at OFA’s annual general meeting. This is the third year OFA has awarded the bursary to OFA family members, choosing these three from 37 entries.

“These bursaries are an investment in future farm leaders and advocates,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “As our industry gets more complex and works to get closer to the consumer, we need advocates more than ever before. These three students are already making a difference in our industry and we are happy to be able to provide some financial support.”

GUELPH, ON – Representatives of Ontario’s largest industry – agriculture and food – presented a plan to boost the provincial economy today at Queen’s Park. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) and Spirits Canada joined together to outline priority areas for the Ontario government to create more jobs, grow our economy and improve the quality of life for Ontarians.

“Ontario’s agri-food sector is already the largest contributor to the provincial economy, bringing in more than $40 billion in GDP annually,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “Today we reminded the government of our strength and suggested a few priority areas to focus on that would generate tremendous fiscal returns and overall growth for the province.”

GUELPH, ON – Representatives of Ontario’s largest industry – agriculture and food – presented a plan to boost the provincial economy today at Queen’s Park. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) and Spirits Canada joined together to outline priority areas for the Ontario government to create more jobs, grow our economy and improve the quality of life for Ontarians.

“Ontario’s agri-food sector is already the largest contributor to the provincial economy, bringing in more than $40 billion in GDP annually,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “Today we reminded the government of our strength and suggested a few priority areas to focus on that would generate tremendous fiscal returns and overall growth for the province.”

GUELPH, ON – Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced promising news for Ontario farmers, businesses and rural communities today with proposed new legislation that would expand access to natural gas in rural and northern Ontario. “We have been pushing for the need for more widespread, affordable natural gas energy across rural Ontario, so this is encouraging news for the agricultural community,” says Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

Ford used opening day of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo to announce the government’s plans to introduce a new Access to Natural Gas Act that would encourage partnerships between private gas distributors and communities to develop projects that expand access to natural gas. If the new legislation is passed, the Ontario government says it will work with the Ontario Energy Board to develop regulations to enable the program this fall.

GUELPH, ON – On behalf of their combined membership of 60,000 farmers, the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), are pleased by the changes made to the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) announced today by The Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The three leadership organizations are also encouraged by the Minister’s stated commitment to introduce further program improvements in the coming months, in consultation with industry stakeholders.

The OWDCP is an important program for livestock farmers in Ontario, particularly for those in the beef and sheep sectors where conflicts with wildlife are common, and result in significant economic losses for both farmers and the broader agri-food economy.

GUELPH, ON – With the announcement of Doug Ford’s new provincial cabinet today, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is anxious to get down to work with all new ministers who will interface with and have an impact on Ontario’s agriculture industry.

“We’re pleased with Ford’s choice of Ernie Hardeman for the minister responsible for agriculture, food and rural affairs for Ontario,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. Long-time MPP, agriculture minister under the Harris government and a recent agriculture critic, Hardeman comes to the job with plenty of experience. “And we look forward to working with the all other ministries that affect the agricultural industry including including Environment, Conservation and Parks; Infrastructure; Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Health and Long-Term Care; and Transportation.”

GUELPH, ON – OFA congratulates Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative party on forming the next government in Ontario. “We look forward to getting to know new MPPs across the province, and connecting with returning politicians to continue the conversations we started during the election period about the needs of the agricultural sector and our rural communities,” says Keith Currie, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

Throughout the election, OFA reinforced that agriculture and rural Ontario hold the key for provincial prosperity and long-term economic growth – already contributing $13.7 billion to the province’s annual GDP and $1.4 billion in provincial tax revenues. OFA gathered support for its Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign from all parties during the campaign – a platform to support spreading economic development across the province.

MISSISSAUGA, ON Building on their shared values and a relationship forged over many years, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their commitment to work together to address key safety issues affecting Ontario farmers, agriculture employees and farm families.

“Safety is a priority and should be everyone’s responsibility on a farm,” says Keith Currie, OFA President. “This MOU strengthens the long-standing relationship OFA shares with WSPS – formerly Farm Safety Association. Together we’ll continue to develop safety materials to raise awareness and help keep our farm communities safe.”

GUELPH, ON – A new provincial soil strategy will preserve soil health and guide conservation activities for more than a decade. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) welcomes the recently released New Horizons: Ontario’s Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy, a comprehensive resource for farmers across the province in soil management, mapping and monitoring.

“The unprecedented level of consultation and collaboration to develop this soil strategy is as much of a success as the strategy itself,” says Keith Currie, OFA President. The provincial soil health and conservation strategy was developed through collaboration with farm groups, agribusiness, government, conservation groups and researchers. “OFA was actively involved in the consultation process and Ontario farmers had the opportunity to share input on the draft strategy through open house meetings and online participation.”

GUELPH, ON – The Ontario government’s announcement of 11 new projects to expand natural gas in Ontario to rural, northern and First Nations communities is welcome news to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). OFA has been advocating for more affordable solutions to soaring energy costs for rural Ontario. The new projects are part of the Natural Gas Grant Program, a $100 million investment the government first announced in January 2017.

“This is a great start to connecting more of Ontario with natural gas,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “The energy savings, boost to farms and local businesses, and overall investment in the 11 communities listed in the announcement, are a step in the right direction.”

GUELPH, ON – Four provincial organizations shared their voices at Queen’s Park today to strengthen the message to all political candidates that investments in rural communities offer benefits to all Ontarians. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), together with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus made a joint announcement on the value of spreading future economic development dollars across the province.

OFA’s election campaign – Producing Prosperity in Ontario – is encouraging greater investment in Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all Ontarians.

GUELPH, ON – Farm Life Financial Planning Group (Farm Life) is the newest Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) benefit partner and offers a new farm management service to members – succession and continuity planning.

Farm Life specializes in empowering farm families to have courageous conversations about the future of their family farm. Farm Life works with families across the province to build continuity of the farm through succession, transition and tax efficient estate plans. The company’s mission is to keep farmers farming and to work with families through the succession process in a way that protects family harmony.

Wellington Federation of Agriculture

Harriston ON N0G 1Z0 519-323-7294
Thank you to OFA's Proud to Lead and Farm Credit Canada for their financial support towards our website design.