Commentary

Food Production Must Weigh in the Calculations: Updating the Projection Methodology Guideline

September 24, 2021 | Suzanne Armstrong

Government is looking to update the Projection Methodology Guideline, a method for municipalities to calculate land needs for housing and employment based on population projections. CFFO argues food production needs should be calculated as well.

Coming to the Rescue During a Drought

September 17, 2021 | Clarence Nywening

The ongoing drought in western Canada and northern Ontario is taking a heavy toll. The agricultural community and the government are working to provide at least some help.

Federal Election: Key Issues for Agriculture

September 10, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

With the federal election just over a week away, it’s worth considering the key issues affecting farming as we prepare to go to the polls. CFFO sees five major items of concern.

Opportunity for Northern Ontario

September 3, 2021 | Paul Bootsma

Government talks of developing Northern Ontario, particularly the beef industry. Traveling through parts of Northeastern Ontario, there is a noticeably significant amount of fallow land.

The Future of Fertilizer

August 27, 2021 | Clarence Nywening

With government's target of reducing synthetic nitrogen fertilizer emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, it's time for federal support of programs like 4R Nutrient Stewardship.

Zoning for the Future

August 20, 2021 | Suzanne Armstrong

In Ontario, we are currently seeing changes in indoor crop production, but having growing facilities within settlement area boundaries is posing zoning and land use compatibility challenges.

Resilient Fields: Bringing Science and Farmers Together

August 13, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

The CFFO has officially launched Resilient Fields, an online tool to help farmers work through specific field challenges and find sustainable solutions for their farms.

Strengthening Communities: New Report Offers Farmer-led Recommendations

August 6, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

This week, the CFFO released its 2021 Policy Tour report, titled “Strengthening Community: The Human Side in a Crisis.” The report focuses on the effects that the pandemic has had on farmers and their communities.

Farmers Need the Right to Repair

July 30, 2021 | Clarence Nywening

New technology has certainly been a boon to farmers in terms of reducing labour and improving production. But it’s come at the cost of having to go back to manufacturers for repairs.

Summer Slump: Food Banks See Higher Need, Fewer Donations

July 23, 2021 | Marie Versteeg

Food banks across the province are bracing for greater numbers, as more and more families face precarity.