Commentary

The Power of the Rural Vote

June 1, 2018 | By Suzanne Armstrong

As we come into the final week of the Ontario election 2018, this has been a dramatic campaign to watch. After three broadcasted debates, the parties continue to fight to win over voters in ridings all across the province.

Phosphorus Innovation in Holland Marsh

May 25, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

Scientists agree that there are some boundaries in the earth’s ecology that cannot be crossed. One of those is the level of nutrients in our freshwater bodies.

Political Will Necessary for Water Stewardship

May 18, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

Ontario agriculture’s future success will rely on optimal use and management of water for food production. This week, CFFO district leaders across the province reached out to candidates and local media to voice concerns about the importance of proper water stewardship.

Political Will Necessary for Farmland Preservation

May 11, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

Forty-two percent of Ontario’s prime cropland, including two specialty crop areas, can be found within the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). This same area is also slated to see a population increase of four million people by 2041. Feeding Ontario and finding homes for all these people is a significant challenge for planners and politicians. More than ever, our prime farmland needs to be protected.

Political Will Necessary for Agri-food Success

May 4, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

CFFO district leaders across the province have reached out to candidates and local media to remind them of the vital role that the agri-food sector plays in Ontario’s economic achievement. But if our province is going to seize the opportunity that this sector offers, we need elected officials who back policy focusing on economic success for Ontario’s farms, food processors and rural communities.

Ontario’s High-Speed Rail

April 27, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

Last year, the premier of Ontario announced plans to build a high speed rail system across Southern Ontario. The plan consists of two phases which, when completed, will connect Windsor to Toronto through Chatham, London, Kitchener, and Guelph.

Better Conversations Around Agriculture

April 20, 2018 | By Josh Kraemer

Last week was the Farm and Food Care Ontario Speakers Program, which focused on public conversations about agriculture. Keynote speaker Tamar Haspel described how to reach out to the public in ways that spark people’s interest and encourage engagement in meaningful discussion.

Producer CAP Funding – Focus on Soil and Water

April 13, 2018 | By Suzanne Armstrong

Soil health and water quality issues continue to be high on the government’s agenda. These same priorities are reflected in the new Federal-Provincial joint agricultural funding program which opened this spring and is intaking project proposals. The new program is called Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and replaces the previous Growing Forward 2.

What is the future of agricultural organizations?

April 6, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario welcomed guest speaker Dr. Rene Van Acker to its Annual Meeting and Leadership Summit, held on March 27. Dr. Van Acker is Professor and Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph. The CFFO asked him to discuss the future of agricultural organizations.

Easter Season

March 30, 2018 | By Paul Bootsma

For many, this weekend is a time of reflection as Christians remember the gift of salvation through the work of Jesus Christ. At CFFO, we acknowledge that He is the creator of all and our task is to care for creation to His glory and our blessing.