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. Buttenham said.

“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. 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.”

Source: Ontario Federation of Agriculture

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Farming 2020: Adapt and Grow was the event theme that saw more than 300 agri-food industry leaders, volunteers and politicians discuss how to move the industry forward, address issues and concerns, vote on resolutions, vote for leadership and listen to informative guest speakers.

Keith Currie was voted to serve his fourth term as the organization’s 31st president. 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. Teresa Van Raay, a hog and crop farmer in Dashwood, was voted by the membership to join the board as a director-at-large for a three-year term. Paul Vickers, a Griersville dairy farmer and Zone 2 director for Bruce and Grey, also joins the OFA board of directors to represent members in his area for a three-year term. Two retiring directors, Pat Jilesen and Don McCabe, were recognized for their contributions. OFA’s Board of Directors is made up of 18 positions representing regions across Ontario.

“It’s been another great year for OFA,” says Currie. “And our AGM is a highlight where we gather together to take stock of where we are at and discuss issues and opportunities for the coming year. Our diverse sector is well represented with grassroots members, industry leaders and politicians sitting down to discuss, listen to each other and prioritize the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s agri-food industry.”

Representatives from provincial political parties addressed the crowd at the event, Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Andrea Horwath, Leader of the New Democrat Party (NDP) and Leader of the Official Opposition and John Vanthof, MPP and NDP critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

The Ontario Young Farmers’ Forum was held in conjunction with OFA’s AGM, welcoming more than 60 young farmers to the event. More support for young farmers was shown at the event with three educational bursaries awarded to Ontario post-secondary students pursuing a career in 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.

Source: Ontario Federation of Agricolture

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