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Tag Archives ontario federation of agriculture — page 3

According to the OFA, viable farmland is being lost to development at a rate of approximately 175 acres a day.
News

Home Grown campaign educates citizens on farmland loss

OFA initiative seeks agriculture impact assessments as part of urban planning

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The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is sowing seeds of advocacy through its recently launched Home Grown campaign.  It wants to educate Ontarians on how development threatens finite farmland resources and emphasize that agriculture is under pressure to provide affordable food options for Canadians.  Why it matters: Urban sprawl is threatening the viability and sustainability […] Read more
COVID-19 PPE supplies challenge farms
News

COVID-19 PPE supplies challenge farms

OFA survey shows some farmers concerned about PPE availability

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A recent Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) survey showed some farmers and farm businesses are struggling to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet COVID-19 safety protocols.  The OFA’s small-scale Agricultural Personal Protective Equipment Survey (APPES) of 498 members showed 16 per cent of respondents were concerned a lack of PPE would see them closing […] Read more
Marsha Rempel, with some of the barns on her farm.
News

City eyes Welland farmer’s land for expropriation, future industrial use

Urban dwellers come to Marsha Rempel’s defense

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A family-owned farm within the City of Welland is fighting back after it was threatened with a third round of expropriation. This time, the entire farm could be taken, after two portions were lost to railways in the last century. Why it matters: All three general farm organizations in Ontario have identified the loss of […] Read more
New agricultural worker safety course launched
News

New agricultural worker safety course launched

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The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is launching an online training program for workers new to the agricultural sector, created in partnership with the University of Guelph — Ridgetown Campus Business Development Centre. The Ontario Agriculture Worker Safety and Awareness Certificate is geared towards helping job seekers become more familiar with on-farm safety, while making […] Read more
OFA increases leadership program contribution
News

OFA increases leadership program contribution

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The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) contributed an extra $10,000 to the current class of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP). The money raised will offset costs of additional COVID-19 related travel requirements for more social distancing and re-planning of AALP Class 18’s international study tour. A foundational partner of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership program, […] Read more
Attracting the next generation of workers
News

Attracting the next generation of workers

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Workers new to a job are three times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job compared to experienced workers. The statistic, across all sectors of the economy, is staggering and points to the need for adequate training. The Ontario agri-food sector, with a diverse range of career opportunities, struggles to […] Read more
News

Harness horse group joins OFA

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The Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) has joined the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The OFA has been the voice of farmers in Ontario for over 80 years. OFA provides 51 localized County Federations of Agriculture for strong leadership and local representation. It includes 31 organizational members and affiliates representing a majority of Ontario’s commodities. […] Read more
Dairy cow
Livestock, News

Ontario bill restricting barn trespassing approved

Bill 156 increases fines for trespassing into animal production zones

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A bill that increases fines for trespassing onto areas of farms where animals are housed has passed the Ontario legislature. Bill 156 was passed by the legislature June 17. It  also prohibits obtaining employment at a farm under false pretences. Why it matters: There has been an increase in high profile farm invasions by protesters […] Read more
News

Ontario Federation of Agriculture to develop ag jobs support system

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The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has received funding to develop a comprehensive support system for agriculture and food employers and job seekers. The funding comes from the federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership and and is part of a targeted intake created April 17 to help address labour supply and training challenges in agriculture and food. […] Read more
Dirk Boogerd is president of the Oxford Federation of Agriculture.
News

Oxford County stands apart for tax ratio review

Committee recommends decreasing ratio for second year running

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For the second year in a row, Oxford County is poised to scale back its farm tax ratio – something other rural Ontario municipalities have not done, despite pressure from agricultural lobby organizations. Why it matters: Farmers have seen double digit increases in their tax bills due to the most recent round of MPAC evaluations, […] Read more

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