New trail signage connects Ontarians to food and farming

New trail signage connects Ontarians to food and farming

As Ontarians embrace more time outdoors, recreational trails have become increasingly popular places to hike, bike, ski or snowmobile. Many of these trails run through farmland or active agricultural areas — places where crops are growing, livestock may be nearby, and farming activities are underway. Farmers who live and work alongside these trails know that […] Read more

Agriculture must be part of interprovincial trade barrier discussions: OFA Viewpoint

Agriculture must be part of interprovincial trade barrier discussions: OFA Viewpoint

Tariffs and trade are front and centre these days from dominating news headlines and influencing election discussions to figuring prominently in government, business, organizational and even personal decisions nation-wide. Our agriculture, food and agribusiness sector, a key pillar of the provincial economy, is no different. Canada-wide, we export a large part of our agricultural production […] Read more

Pictured from left to right: Zone 6 Director Crispin Colvin, Zone 14 Director Vanessa Renaud, Zone 9 Director Mark Reusser, Mary Brander, Bobby Robinson, Kyla Lewis, and Alaina MacDonald at the OFA annual general meeting in Toronto on Nov. 26, 2024. [Not pictured: Kaylee Wells].

Young leaders recognized by Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture awarded five young people pursuing careers in agriculture each with a $2000 bursary. The undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship awards were presented at the OFA’s annual general meeting in Toronto Nov. 26. OFA President Drew Spoelstra said in a release this year’s recipients “are passionate about agriculture, dedicated to their communities, […] Read more

We must protect farmland for the sake of future generations

We must protect farmland for the sake of future generations

Ontario farmers know better than most that this province is home to some of Canada’s richest and most fertile farmland. It’s where we grow food and feed for people and animals alike, but in addition to sustaining us, it also helps support climate change mitigation, benefits water and air quality and supports our environmental biodiversity. […] Read more

Survey shows Ontario farmers confident in future

Survey shows Ontario farmers confident in future

Rising energy and input costs, and tax burden identified as concerns in OFA survey

Despite concerns about inflation, high interest rates, tax increases and geopolitical conflicts, the majority of Ontario farmers remain optimistic for the future. In its first ever business confidence survey, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) asked its membership about issues concerning them, and what OFA advocacy efforts should focus on. The survey took place in […] Read more


Ontario Federation of Agriculture invests in local initiatives

Ontario Federation of Agriculture invests in local initiatives

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) announced it is making an additional contribution of over $100,000 into its Revive Fund for 2024. The Revive Fund provides matching funding to help the OFA’s 51 county and regional federations plan, develop and launch projects and initiatives in support of agriculture and their local communities. OFA said in […] Read more

New funding program to promote Ontario farmers, farmers’ markets

A new cost-share funding program has been launched to support marketing projects promoting Ontario farmers at farmers’ markets across the province. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is contributing $50,000 to the initiative as a result of a first-ever partnership with Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO).  Under the new program, funding will be available for marketing […] Read more



Participants in the Future of Feeding Ontario panel at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference Jan. 21, 2024.

Agriculture’s importance to rural economic development highlighted at ROMA event

Drew Spoelstra was pleasantly surprised by the agriculture sector’s recognition at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) annual conference held earlier this week. “(There’s) recognition that agriculture is a huge economic driver in this province,” the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) told Farmtario. “And we continue to supply a lot of jobs […] Read more

The OFA board of directors at the OFA's annual convention, Nov. 21-22, 2023.

OFA’s proposal to remove Policy Advisory Council tabled to 2024

The OFA board is proposing to change its Policy Advisory Council to a policy forum which will change how the board hears from its members outside of the annual meeting. In one of her last roles as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Peggy Brekveld introduced discussion on the organization’s proposal to remove […] Read more