Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Young Farmers - Lend Your Voice to the Future of Agriculture!

CFBMC News Release

Earlier this week, the Minister's office announced the honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn is seeking input from across Canada on the key challenges and issues facing young and future farmers.

CFBMC would like to give you, its partners, an opportunity to contribute your ideas.
- What should be done to assist new and upcoming producers?
- How can the federal government (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada) help new and young farmers start their business and capture more opportunities to grow and diversify their businesses?

Your suggestions, recommendations and comments will be compiled and incorporated into a briefing note, which we will present to Minister Blackburn on behalf of ourselves (CFBMC) and our partners.

Your responses can be emailed to info@cfbmc.com. Please include 'Blackburn' in the subject line.

We also encourage you to share your demographic information - Are you a...young/beginning farmer, established producer, consultant? What region of the country do you reside in?

The official Press Release regarding Blackburn's initiative is below.



MINISTER BLACKBURN TO DISCUSS ISSUES FACING YOUNG FARMERS


OTTAWA, Ontario, November 9, 2009 - Farmers, agriculture students and academics from across the country will get an opportunity to discuss the key challenges facing young farmers and the future of agriculture through roundtable discussions with Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn over the next few weeks.

"I believe Canada's young and future farmers have a unique perspective on the issues facing the agriculture industry," said Minister Blackburn. "These dialogues will be valuable in helping to bring their voices to the forefront and ensure their ideas are put into action."

The roundtables will focus on identifying key issues for young people who want to farm and on charting solutions that will help new and young farmers start their business, capture more opportunities to grow and diversify their businesses.

"We want to be sure that the programs we deliver hit the target for Canada's young farmers," said Minister Blackburn. "These roundtables will allow us to exchange with the experts themselves and ensure their ideas are given due importance in the elaboration of future policies."

This week and next, Minister Blackburn is holding roundtable meetings with farmers, agriculture students and academics in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia as part of an ongoing commitment to get input directly from farmers when developing agricultural policies.

Views: 258

Replies to This Discussion

Here are the needs I think most young farmers have that if a program could help address them, we would see more young farmers...

1. Access to capital - hard to get started in such a capital intensive industry.
2. Training and support - access to others to help solve problems.
3. Revenue - Market price stability - it is difficult to build equity when profitability is so difficult...

Is there anything else that would help?

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Grower Engagement Meetings

Alberta Canola works for farmers—and your voice can drive what’s next. Join Alberta Canola directors, staff, and industry partners at our upcoming Grower Engagement Meetings and explore what’s happening across the canola industry and what it means for your farm. From agronomy and research to new markets, canola utilization and biofuels, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of canola. At Alberta Canola’s grower meetings, you’ll: See how Alberta Canola works for farmers. Learn how your investment supports research, advocacy and a stronger future for canola growers. Get practical agronomy insights from our provincial agronomy specialist, Keith Gabert. Explore what’s possible for canola through new markets, canola meal utilization, biofuels, transportation, and what it all means for the future of your farm. Hear from industry experts. Connect with guest speakers from Canola Council of Canada, Imperial Oil, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, COPA and more. Conn

2026 harvest: Minister Sawyer

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they're wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year's crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong. “Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season. “Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province. “As producers prepare

Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23

An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy

Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre

Bayer Crop Science is investing $45 million CAD in a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, with research targeting faster genetic gains, improved agronomic performance and expanded weed control options for Canadian growers.

USDA Corrects Corn Estimates as Growers Question NASS Data

USDA has corrected September corn estimates after NASS discovered a processing error affecting Kansas, Nebraska and national figures.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service