Commentary

Envisioning Win-Wins: Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act

June 7, 2019 | By Brenda Dyack

Amidst much public concern, changes to the Conservation Authority (CA) Act have just received royal assent in the Legislature, as part of the much larger Bill 108: More Homes, More Choice Act. CFFO urges government to establish tighter rules pursuant to the Act to ensure all CAs strike a lawful and fair balance when requiring farmers to provide public goods and services.

Farming and the Ecosystem

May 31, 2019 | By Paul Bootsma

Often, agriculture is seen as disruptive to the sensitive balance of a given ecosystem. However, more and more, farmers are seeing the benefits that farming can bring to some areas, where close attention is given to maintaining a healthy balance.

Adjusting our Care for Endangered Species

May 24, 2019 | By Brenda Dyack

The government of Ontario has proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, updating it to reflect current public priorities. The changes are extensive and have drawn many responses from the public and various organizations, including the CFFO.

Animal Activism and Farmer Safety

May 17, 2019 | By Marie Versteeg

The Crown’s recent decision to drop charges against an animal activist has fuelled frustration, fear, and action, in Ontario’s farming community. Farmers worry that the failure to charge in an apparently open-and-shut case like this will embolden activists.

Adjusting the Balance

May 10, 2019 | By Brenda Dyack

The concept of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is a convenient short form for considering the infinite number of combinations of social, environmental and economic choices we might make in seeking to achieve our greatest wellbeing. Here in Ontario, we voted to shift the balance to economic outcomes.

Mental Health Week: Awareness and Resilience in Agriculture

May 3, 2019 | By Marie Versteeg

Next week, May 6-12, is CMHA Mental Health Week. Organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the week-long awareness campaign brings mental health and wellbeing into focus nation-wide, across communities, age groups, and industries.

Gaining Consumer Confidence in the Agri-Food Industry

April 24, 2019 | By Paul Bootsma

Ontario’s agri-food industry is moving forward with ways to strengthen and build its relationship with consumers. As consumers are more and more interested with what they eat and how it is produced, the industry needs to send a positive message.

Easter Blessings

April 19, 2019 | By Paul Bootsma

For those who know the Easter story, this weekend is a time of hope and encouragement. Christians around the world remember that Christ won the victory over evil. Those who place their trust in the message of Easter live their lives in response to this good news.

The Need for Informed Large Animal Welfare Enforcement

April 12, 2019 | By Clarence Nywening

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) withdrew its commitment to enforce animal welfare legislation on March 31. This leaves Ontario without a supervising body to oversee law enforcement in situations that involve animal welfare, including farm animals.

The New Era of Carbon Pricing in Ontario

April 5, 2019 | By Brenda Dyack

Today, the Canadian federal carbon pricing policy excels at raising our hackles not only because it may conflict with our values and belief system regarding climate change, but many feel this tax is unfair, especially regarding allowable rebates.