Commentary

Land Use Planning: Where Do We Draw the Line?

April 9, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

Ontario’s land use planning policy frameworks encourage municipalities to designate far more land for development than we’re actually going to need.

Spring Renewal, Easter Hope

April 2, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

As winter fades and spring takes its place, we witness the natural world’s cycle of death and resurrection at the same time that we prepare our hearts for Good Friday remembrance and Easter celebration.

Consumers and Farmers: A Conversation Worth Having

March 26, 2021 | Paul Bootsma

The social contract has become a popular term in the ag media. With the noticeable increase of consumer interest in food production, this is a good time to have this conversation.

Clean Fuel Standard – What are the Costs?

March 19, 2021 | Suzanne Armstrong

In a direct way, the Clean Fuel Standard will increase the costs for fossil fuels used to heat homes and run personal vehicles. The CFFO is also concerned that this will increase the cost of food.

Planning to Stay Safe on the Farm

March 12, 2021 | Clarence Nywening

Next week is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week. While we know that we need to be vigilant about safety every week, let’s commit to writing or revising our farm safety plans next week.

Provincial Budget Recommendations: Looking for Long-lasting Benefits

March 5, 2021 | Ed Scharringa

Our Provincial Budget recommendations focused on key economic, social and environmental commitments that are necessary to support the vitality of the agri-food sector.

Strengthening Community: CFFO Policy Tour 2021

February 26, 2021 | Paul Bootsma

The theme of the 2021 Policy Tour is “Strengthening Community: Addressing the Human Side in a Crisis.” We are looking at ways to strengthen relationships, be it between employers and workers, between farm businesses and local consumers, or between community members, keeping connections strong to support one another through challenging times.

US-Canada Trade under the Biden Presidency

February 19, 2021 | Clarence Nywening

While it looks like the new Biden administration is more stable – and far more open to multilateral trade – the president is still committed to a “Made in All of America” agenda.

MZOs: Good Land Use Planning Takes Time

February 12, 2021 | Suzanne Armstrong

Changes to Minister's Zoning Orders enable the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to issue planning permits where municipal land use planning already exists. But the CFFO believes the best land use planning decisions are based on public input and local knowledge.

Labour Law Compliance for Temporary Help Agencies

February 5, 2021 | Ed Scharringa

The CFFO responded to recent Ministry of Labour consultations on temporary help agencies. Many farm businesses rely on temporary help agencies to fill labour gaps, depending on seasonal needs.