Amy Cronin is the new chair of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission. The Bluevale pork producer was recently appointed by Ernie Hardeman, Ontario minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Why it matters: The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission is responsible for the workings of farm organizations and their marketing powers in the province […] Read more
Tag Archives Province/State: Ontario
Cronin to lead farm products marketing commission
Pork producer has experience leading numerous agriculture groups
Farm groups look for funds to shore up COVID-19-created losses
Ontario and national groups are say the funds are needed to keep farms in business
The pressure is being ratcheted up on government by agriculture organizations for funds to make sure farm systems survive some of the shocks of COVID-19. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has asked for a $2.6 billion package in addition to any of the other farm safety nets already in existence. In Ontario more organizations […] Read more
Governments funding farmers’ move to online sales
Direct-to-consumer sales from farms has quickly moved digital
Many farmers have moved to marketing their food and plants through the internet and they now have the chance for government help to fund that transition. The Ontario and Canadian governments are investing $2.5 million the new Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). Organizations and businesses can apply for a […] Read more
Tips for safe bull sales
The suggestions for safe events apply to any other types of still-necessary gatherings
[UPDATED: April 1, 2020] Brent Saunders and his family have moved their 15th annual Charolais bull sale online. They are one of many farms with bull sales scheduled across the country challenged by group gathering restrictions because of COVID-19. Bull sales are a main source of income for many producers, and still the way many […] Read more
CN strike a threat for Ontario farmers
Inventory overload and lack of propane deliveries delays harvest
[Update Nov. 21, 2019] Farmers in southern and central Ontario are now reporting that they won’t get more propane delivered until after the CN strike is settled. The more than 3,000 Canadian National Railway workers who walked off the job Tuesday put a wrench in an already-tough harvest for farmers. The strike is poorly […] Read more
Robbins named new processing vegetable growers manager
The new GM will join the organization at a time of change in marketing
Keith Robbins is the new general manager of the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers (OPVG). Robbins, who comes from the Poultry Industry Council to the OPVG, is an experienced employee and manager of agriculture industry associations. Robbins starts his new role Sept. 17 and takes over from Cathy Lennon who is the new general manager of […] Read more
An experienced look at farm organization futures
Retiring farm leaders on what Ontario agriculture needs to thrive
After years acting as organizational leaders in Ontario’s farm sector, Dave Stewart of Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), and Neil Currie, who was for 19 years general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), see great potential for the farm and food sector. However, both believe co-operation and ongoing efforts to foster new leadership […] Read more
Soil health gets bigger focus at COFS
Researchers and new technology demos are being featured at the show
There are several new initiatives at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) this year related to soil health, including soil researchers, new technology and practices. Soils at Guelph, a new outreach initiative from the University of Guelph aims to bridge the gap between farmers and soil researchers. People involved in the initiative will be at the […] Read more
Editorial: Lessons from the European market
There are opportunities in Europe for Canadian agriculture and food products, but we have to learn to play their game if we want a piece of the lucrative export market. I recently spent a couple of weeks in Europe visiting relatives and travelling with family. When travelling we make our own meals when we can, […] Read more
Lennon to be new OFA general manager
She has worked across the agriculture sector for farmer organizations
Cathy Lennon will be the new general manager of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), replacing Neil Currie, who retires at the end of August. Lennon comes to the OFA from the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, after a long career with agriculture organizations. Why it matters: Neil Currie has with the OFA for 19 years, […] Read more
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