Commentary

Managing Development for Everybody: Where Does the Buck Stop?

November 15, 2019 | Brenda Dyack

Farm organizations are particularly concerned about changes that will reduce local powers over land management. For example, changes to the Aggregate Resources Act will remove local municipal control over aggregates developments and expansions.

Omnibus Bill 132: Good for Farmers?

November 8, 2019 | Josh Kraemer

Omnibus bills, like Bill 132, introduce a large number of regulatory changes to many Acts at the same time. Once voted into law, the changes may impact Ontario’s farmers in several different ways. Because of the breadth and complexity of the proposed changes to the Acts, input from farming organizations and their members is that much more important.

Guarding Against Transmittable Diseases

November 1, 2019 | Paul Bootsma

In Canada, we have a traceability program to manage disease outbreaks with the intent to prevent diseases from spreading to the entire nation

Ontario’s Provincial Land Use Policy: Who Wins?

October 25, 2019 | Brenda Dyack

In our recommendations to government, CFFO focused on the proposed changes that could have a direct impact on farmland preservation.

The 2019 Federal Election: Party Platforms and Issues in Agriculture

October 18, 2019 | Josh Kraemer

With the federal election happening on Monday, now is an important time to review party platforms. Farmers will find that each of Canada’s leading federal parties have made promises that will affect them directly.

Thanksgiving: Reflections on the Harvest

October 11, 2019 | Marie Versteeg

Harvest celebrations have been a tradition across time and place throughout human history, though you won’t find it marked on the traditional Church calendar.

Trade by Politics: Is This the “New Normal”?

October 4, 2019 | Brenda Dyack

We can all imagine the worst that can happen if “trade by politics,” uncontrolled by the WTO, is the new normal. It is not hard to forecast the economic consequences for farmers if international conflicts play out, leaving Canadian farmers as collateral damage.

Optimism in Northern Ontario

September 27, 2019 | Paul Bootsma

The CFFO was pleased to participate at the IPM last week, in order to show support for our members in the region and to hear their concerns firsthand. We are encouraged by what we saw and heard.

Land Use Writ Large: Changes to Ontario’s Provincial Policy Statement

September 20, 2019 | Brenda Dyack

Ontario’s Provincial Policy Statement is currently under review. The Provincial Policy Statement directs land use planning and guides municipal development for all of Ontario. Changes to the Policy Statement will impact the future of agriculture.

Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers

September 13, 2019 | Josh Kraemer

The Outstanding Young Farmers Award celebrates excellence in agriculture through various lenses, such as innovation, environmental stewardship and financial management, among others.