SUMMER 2016
From our field office to yours — timely information for MPPs about Ontario’s agri-food sector, from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Don McCabe
President
Ontario Federation
of Agriculture
FROM THE PRESIDENT
It’s been a very challenging growing season in Ontario
this year. The hot, dry weather created drought
conditions for much of the province. Late season rains
have made little difference for many crops. Farmers
are evaluating their needs for winter feed and possible
short falls in crop yield to bottom line impact. In the
few areas where irrigation was able to be used,
farmers’ innovation has rewarded their investments.
Harvest has begun and farmers are evaluating this
year’s bounty and starting plans for next year. There
are farm shows, plowing matches and local county
fairs around the province to showcase and celebrate
agriculture, and socialize with neighbours and friends.
In this issue of From the Field we’ve highlighted the
diverse issues and activities we’ve been working on
over the last few months, on behalf of the 36,000
Ontario farm families that the Ontario Federation of
Agriculture represents. You’ll read about regulatory
submissions, the opportunities for agriculture to
drive growth in northern Ontario, the trouble with
noxious and invasive weeds, and highlights from our
recent 2016 OFA Field Day.
As always, we appreciate your interest and support
in the #1 economic driver in the province — Ontario’s
agri-food sector. There’s no better place to see
agriculture at work than a local fall fair, Canada’s
Outdoor Farm Show or the International Plowing Match
& Rural Expo. See you there.
Minister Leal on
right track in backing
vegetable growers
When the Farm Products Marketing Commission set about
to amend Regulation 440 and remove the Ontario Processing
Vegetable Growers’ (OPVG) ability to negotiate prices for their
products, the agricultural industry spoke loudly and clearly.
OFA, together with several partner organizations, sent a formal
submission to the Commission outlining the devastating impact
the changes would have on vegetables growers in Ontario.
OFA applauds Minister Leal for putting
a stop to the proposed amendment,
recognizing that the changes were not
within the authority of the Commission,
and did not align with the legislative
principles of the Farm Products Marketing Act.
“We’re very encouraged to hear Minister Leal reinforce that
any changes to regulations should be consistent with the needs
of producers and processors, and align with the government’s
growth challenge for Ontario agriculture,” says OFA President,
Don McCabe.
Inside...
Grow North
Red Tape Challenge
Legislative Recap
Stop These Weeds
Grow North: diversified
agri-food sector will
drive growth
LEADING WITH
INNOVATION
When you think of new opportunities in northern Ontario, does agriculture ever
cross your mind? It’s actually one of the biggest untapped areas for growth.
Productive farmland is actually increasing in northern Ontario, generally
considered to be the area north of Lake Huron. There are diverse factors driving
the enthusiasm for expansion of the agri-food sector in northern regions that
include climate change, improved land drainage, new short-season crop varieties
and innovative technologies like precision agriculture and row covers.
Watch your mailbox this month
for a copy of OFA’s latest
publication — OFA In Sight.
It’s a new publication where
we turned the spotlight on our
members across the province.
We profiled Ontario farmers
who demonstrate great
leadership, innovation and
initiative in their community.
There are unique opportunities for agriculture, aquaculture and food processing
to provide new approaches to food, fibre and biofuel production in Ontario.
OFA submitted an Environmental Bill of Registry discussion paper on northern
expansion opportunities to government this past July. Our recommendations
for growth in the north are consistent with
our vision for all of Ontario agriculture —
to increase connectivity, promote an
economically robust agri-food system
and support OFA members in their
efforts to maintain and expand their
operations across the province.
We look forward to reviewing
the government’s detailed
strategy for northern Ontario
later this year. We know the
north holds great promise for
strengthening and expanding
our agri-food industry.
GETTING BEHIND THE RED TAPE CHALLENGE
Farmers love to hate regulations, especially when they aren’t based on common sense.
We also know that regulations are a fact of business, whatever business you are in.
Most regulations serve an important function to protect actions or allow certain
activities to be maintained. And an important part of the regulatory
process is to be sure regulations remain relevant and adapt with the
business environment.
OFA talks a lot about regulations. Over the years, we’ve worked
with government on the Open for Business program to improve the
way regulations are developed, and check in that existing regulations
are effective and not putting up roadblocks for Ontario agriculture
to continue to be competitive.
We’re encouraged by the government’s Red Tape Challenge. This open, public review
of a significant list of existing regulations is a worthy endeavour to simplify and streamline
the way we do business in Ontario. OFA is encouraging farm businesses to participate
right now in the regulations affecting the food processing sector.
Legislative recap:
two years of advocacy
The halfway point of the Liberal government’s four-year
mandate is a good time to pause and review the legislative
activity that’s gone on. The OFA has actively responded to and
influenced many of the legislative bills and actions that have
taken place. It’s the work we do every day for our 36,000 farm
members, advocating with all levels of government —
and working to keep MPPs informed — so we can keep the
agri-food sector competitive, vibrant and moving forward.
Agriculture is an industry that depends on collaboration. The
best outcomes for our members happen when we work together
with other farm organizations, Chambers of Commerce,
environmental groups and other non-profit organizations.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the legislation, issues and
activities OFA has been engaged in over the past two years
with the Ontario government.
Provided input and offered amendments on legislation
including the Supporting Trails Ontario Act, Waste-Free
Ontario Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Climate Change
Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act, Agriculture
Insurance Act and Invasive Species Act
Appearances before Standing Committees with input
on Ontario’s budget and Bill 173, Jobs for Today and
Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures)
Participation on advisory committees including the
Crombie Report — a 10-year review of four significant
land use plans, Ontario Retirement Pension Plan,
phosphorus concerns for Lake Erie algae, aggregate
policy and livestock evaluation
Continued advocacy for natural gas infrastructure across
rural Ontario
OFA looks forward to being at the table to continue our work
together to meet the Premier’s challenge for growth and realize
all the tremendous potential and possibilities the agri-food
sector has for the province of Ontario.
WE NEED TO STOP
THESE WEEDS IN
THEIR TRACKS
Noxious weeds are much more
than an inconvenience. Invasive
and noxious weeds threaten
Ontario’s plants and animals,
and can be harmful to crops,
livestock, humans and our natural
environment. You might have heard
of the problems, particularly in
eastern Ontario with wild parsnip
— a noxious and invasive weed causing
serious concern to farmers. Invasive Phragmites is another
that threatens the natural environment, outcompeting native
species and reducing biodiversity.
Under Ontario’s Weed Control Act farmers and landowners have
a legal obligation to manage noxious weeds species on their
properties. To properly control noxious weeds, we need access
to the best herbicides and other approved methods to control
these harmful weeds. It’s equally important for the Ontario
government to control noxious and invasive weeds on public
lands, including highway corridors, to prevent the spread and
reduce the harm.
We need the right tools to protect the environment
from noxious and invasive weed species.
We have herbicides approved for use by the Canada’s Pest
Management Regulatory Agency, and registered under the Pest
Control Products Act as safe and effective. But municipalities
are facing public backlash from some people who just don’t like
the idea of approved products used to control known noxious
and invasive species. They have no stake in the issue, but would
prevent landowners from preventing the devastating effects
to fields, pastures and farm businesses.
We all share the responsibility to put the needs of farm workers,
animals, our environment and Ontarians ahead of noxious and
invasive weeds.
Feeding food literacy
Have you checked out OFA’s food literacy site at SixbySixteen.me?
It’s a new resource for parents, teachers, families and health
professionals to help young people learn how to plan and prepare
six nutritious, locally sourced meals by the time they are 16.
The site is full of great resources — short and simple how-to
cooking videos, links to finding local food and information to
help make healthy food choices.
We held a special social media contest this summer — encouraging young people to make
a dish and submit the photo. Congratulations to Mohamad for his stir fry chicken entry.
Follow us, and watch for more information about food literacy on Twitter (@SixbySixteen),
Facebook (/SixbySixteen) and Instagram (SixbySixteen). And watch for an exciting
cooking contest coming up.
2016
More than 60 people joined OFA for its 2016 Field Day
— where MPPs and staff are invited out to the country to
experience a little bit of Ontario’s diverse agri-food sector.
This year’s event was hosted at King Cole Ducks in
Newmarket. This family owned and operated farm
business is North America’s only vertically-integrated duck
farm. Thank you to the 14 MPPs and their staff who joined
the tour and tasted some of the delicious, local duck.
COMING EVENTS
Fall is the perfect time to get out into the country to take in an agricultural event — local fairs, food festivals
and these two cornerstone events for the Ontario agri-food sector. Stop by the OFA booth at these events.
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show —
“Experience everything in agriculture”
International Plowing Match
& Rural Expo
September 13-15, 2016
Woodstock
outdoorfarmshow.com
September 20-24, 2016
Minto
plowingmatch.org
Do you have questions about Ontario’s agri-food sector or want to learn more
about issues impacting our industry? Contact OFA for insight and information.
Don McCabe, President
Neil Currie, General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519.331.6175519.821.8883
|
@OntarioFarms @OFABenefits
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/OntarioFarms
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/OntarioFarms
09/16-51581
ofa.on.ca