Commentary

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.

Supply Management: Working to build up new entrants

March 23, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

Early this month, the CFFO Supply Management Committee hosted representatives from Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), and Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO) to discuss their efforts to attract new entrants.

Farm Safety

March 16, 2018 | By Marie Versteeg

This week has been Agricultural Safety Week in Canada. Ag Safety Week is supported by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), which works to raise awareness of on-farm risks and provide resources to help farmers improve farm safety.

Drones for Aerial Agricultural Applications

March 9, 2018 | By Brooke Wareing

UAVs or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, better known as drones, are entering the market as an alternative to existing spraying methods. In Canada, the first Transport Canada permit has been approved for a company called Roga Drone for the operation of a UAV for aerial application.