SUMMER 2014
From our field office to yours — timely information for MPPs about Ontario’s agri-food sector, from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
OFA: Ontario agriculture’s #1 advocate
Mark Wales President Ontario Federation of Agriculture
FROM THE PRESIDENT Congratulations to all new and re-elected MPPs. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has a long and strong history of working together with provincial politicians and policymakers advocating for Ontario’s agri-food sector and the more than 37,000 Ontario farm businesses we represent. Many of you are familiar with the breadth of our industry, and the significant contributions Ontario agriculture makes to the provincial economy. With this quarterly newsletter, From the Field, we want to keep in touch and keep you up-to-date on key OFA activities. We use this space to feature the issues that we have and will be talking to you about, on behalf of our farmer members. These are issues that impact the ability of Ontario farm families to grow and prosper while providing the food, fibre and fuel for all Ontarians. Over the next few months, we hope to see you at some of the events we’re organizing to help you learn more about our vibrant agri-food sector. There will be Queen’s Park events where we bring the country to you. And local events in your ridings held by our regional federations of agriculture.
For nearly 80 years, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has been the leading voice of Ontario farmers. We represent the interests and concerns of more than 37,000 Ontario farm businesses. We are a dynamic, farmer-led organization based in Guelph, Ontario. The OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, lobby efforts, community representation and media relations. Our mandate is to enable prosperous and sustainable farms in Ontario. Our work depends on working together with elected officials and policymakers to effect change for the agri-food sector — an industry that contributes $13.7 billion to Ontario’s annual GDP. We are governed by 18 elected Board of Directors and advised by a 108-member Policy Advisory Council. We employ 21 field staff (Member Service Representatives) to support members in the 52 counties we represent across Ontario.
Agri-food goes far beyond the farm gate, and food is something that every Ontarian is a lot more interested in. We hope you find some new and insightful information in these pages. And we look forward to visiting with you in person over the next few months — in your office or ours.
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We look forward to continuing to work together to Growing Ontario.
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Do you know our top 3 issues for growth?
TAKE A LOOK AT AGRICULTURE’S TOP THREE POLITICAL PRIORITIES
Rural Ontario must get its fair share of infrastructure investment The OFA welcomes the government’s $130 billion commitment over the next 10 years for infrastructure improvements. Rural Ontario must get its fair share of these funds to continue to grow and contribute to the provincial economy. We will be working closely to ensure infrastructure improvements reach into rural Ontario. It will be critical to ensure priority projects are identified in local regions to provide funding to include rural schools, health care facilities, roads, bridges and drainage projects. The agri-food industry depends on these improvements to continue to prosper and be a significant contributor to the health and wealth of all Ontarians. One of the most important elements of infrastructure investments will be the expansion of natural gas in rural Ontario. Access to natural gas in rural Ontario and on farms will provide low cost energy, enabling improved competitiveness and opportunities for new investments and jobs in the agri-food industry. Natural gas expansion will allow us to grow Ontario. The OFA is encouraged by the government’s commitment that will reduce energy costs for Ontario farmers and rural businesses. We need this investment to fuel future growth across rural Ontario, and keep our industry strong and competitive.
Reintroduce food literacy in our schools
We need food literacy back on the school curriculum. And the proposed Local Food Act must include food literacy to help Ontario’s young adults to make better, healthier food choices. This will be on our agenda for health and education ministries. We believe educating consumers about healthy food choices — many of which are local — and food preparation are important ingredients in a healthier population.
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We have three key issues that need your attention to help our sector deliver on the growth opportunities in the province. We would welcome the opportunity to talk in person about the impact and importance of these issues for farmers, for the Ontario economy and ultimately for all Ontarians.
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While a new government is getting down to business in Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture will be bringing key issues affecting the 37,000 farm families we represent to the attention of all MPPs. Our organization exists to help enable prosperous and sustainable farms in Ontario.
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Provide ongoing agri-skills training
Help keep our sector strong, innovative and competitive. Ontario’s agri-food industry needs fundamental agriculture education, training and skills development. And we depend on the next generation of farmers and skilled workers to continue producing food, fibre and jobs.
For more information on these issues, go to ofa.on.ca and click on “issues.”
ARE YOU GROWING ONTARIO? In the lead up to the June 2014 provincial election, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture introduced its Growing Ontario campaign to draw specific attention to the strength of Ontario agriculture and its role in driving economic growth. We encouraged all candidates to sign on to our “I believe in Growing Ontario” campaign to acknowledge the vital role of the agri-food sector in Ontario. More than 167 candidates joined the campaign and helped kickstart our overriding message that an investment in agriculture is an investment for all Ontarians. Look for more evidence our of Growing Ontario with Food, Fibre and Jobs messages at our Queen’s Park event and OFA’s annual convention in November.
WONDERING WHAT’S ON THE MIND OF ONTARIO FARMERS? Highlights of OFA’s general member survey In April 2014, OFA conducted a general membership online survey to take the pulse with members on a range of topics including key lobbying issues and overall satisfaction with OFA. This survey was a follow up to a similar general member survey done two years earlier.
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WHO PARTICIPATED
RISING TRENDS • Smart phone use on the farm • Concern about the high cost of energy
1,967 OFA members provided feedback Average participant was male, 50+ years old and 21+ years as an OFA member
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REASONS
TO BE AN OFA MEMBER 1. Eligibility for farm property tax rate class
ACTIVITY Advocating for agricultural policy
2. OFA delivers results and speaks on my behalf 3. To support OFA
And many more results, including… • The cost of electricity has grown significantly as a concern for members since 2012 • Maintaining a domestic food supply is the most important aspect of the National Food Strategy for OFA members
• More members are more concerned about compensation for predator and wildlife damage, compared to 2012 • 85% of OFA members are satisfied with the different aspects of OFA activities
• Social media is used most by OFA members who are under 40 years of age
AG FROM A TO Z is for chicken Ontario raises the most chickens in Canada.
is for agvocacy Passionate advocates for agriculture who make it their job to tell the positive stories about our industry.
is for family farm More than 98% of farms in Canada are family owned.
is for water
is for jobs Graduates from agricultural diploma programs in Ontario have two jobs waiting for them, and degree graduates have three jobs waiting for them.
The average dairy cow will drink 80-160 litres of water, and produces about 27 litres of milk per day. In 2009, Canadians used an average of 329 litres of water per person per day.
is for zucchini One of more than 200 agricultural commodities grown in Ontario.
COMING EVENTS Join OFA and the broader agricultural community at some of these events coming up around Ontario. Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
OFA Annual Convention
September 12-14 Woodstock, ON
November 24-25, 2014 Niagara Falls, ON
A great outing to experience the diversity, energy and innovation in Ontario’s agriculture industry — be sure to stop by the OFA Federation House for a coffee and a chat.
OFA Fall Queen’s Park Event
www.outdoorfarmshow.com
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair November 7-16, 2014 Toronto, ON www.royalfair.org
Stay tuned for more details
For more information on any of these events, please contact
[email protected]
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. Mark Wales, President
Neil Currie, General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519.773.6706 519.821.8883
08/14-39482
www.ofa.on.ca | Twitter: @OntarioFarms @OFABenefits | YouTube.com/OntarioFarms | Facebook.com/OntarioFarms
