Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: 2012 Wish List for Agriculture

By Nathan Stevens
December 30, 2011
 

As 2011 comes to a close, we begin to look forward to 2012. For many of us, the beginning of a new year is taken as an opportunity to commit to new resolutions for the coming year, either ending bad habits or starting good ones. Or they develop a wish list for what they want to accomplish in the coming year.
 
I have some personal resolutions and wishes I want to pursue in the coming year. I also have some resolutions and wishes for the agriculture sector in 2012.
 
1. A thorough re-evaluation of our approach to animal welfare Issues
The last year has seen Ontario’s approach to animal welfare issues move to the forefront of many farmers’ discussions. The conclusion reached by many is that there is the need for a serious re-evaluation of the entire process. The vast majority of farmers provide top notch care for their animals, but the few bad actors that do exist need to be dealt with properly for the good of everyone.
 
2. A renewed focus on long-term planning for Canadian agriculture
Nationally, 2012 will see the continued development of Growing Forward 2, Canada’s Vision for Agriculture for the 2013-2018 program years. Hopefully, the national and provincial agriculture ministers will listen to the voice of farmers and industry and come to a consensus on how to advance agriculture for all the farmers across our great nation.
 
Yet throughout the negotiations on this deal there will be the need to be realistic about the fiscal realities of the federal and provincial governments in the coming years. The reality is that government and farmers must be willing to prioritize and focus on key programming that will provide dividends down the road, and be ready to accept the possibility of reductions in other areas.
 
My final wish for Ontario’s farmers in 2012 is that they be given the tools to excel in their operations, and develop new innovative ways to meet the challenges they face. I also wish that you and your families have a happy, healthy New Year.
 
 

Nathan Steven is the Research & Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston and in Brantford and Woodstock. It is also found on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 134

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

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

Sask Farmer Say he Knows Why Fertilizer Companies Come Out Ahead When Markets are Disrupted

As fertilizer prices remain volatile, one Saskatchewan farmer argues the system is stacked against producers.

U.S. ethanol industry sets its sights on the world

Canada remains the top export market for U.S. ethanol, purchasing 757 million gallons of the fuel in 2024-25. The country blended the fuel at a 10 per cent level (E10) nationwide last year, with some provinces adopting an E15 mandate. “As they continue to move to E15, they could be our first billion-gallon market,” Ryan LeGrand, president of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, told delegates attending the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 102nd annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. The United States shipped out a record 2.13 billion gallons of ethanol around the world in 2024-25, up from the 1.75 billion gallons exported the previous year. LeGrand said the goal is to continue expanding exports until the country is fully using its two billion gallons of excess production capacity. There are plenty of promising markets, but Mexico tops the list. The country passed an E10 mandate in 2017, but it was later struck down by the courts due to a technicality. Mexico’s new president, Clau

Secretary Naig, Iowa 4-H, Iowa FFA Announce Statewide Tree Planting Initiative in Honor of America250

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, in collaboration with Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA, today announced a statewide tree planting initiative in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The youth-driven initiative aims to plant 250 trees across Iowa in 2026, connecting students with the state’s agricultural heritage and a commitment to stewardship and service. The initiative encourages Iowa youth to take an active role in conserving the land that has sustained generations of farmers while celebrating the values that have shaped our nation and our communities. “Planting a tree is a simple act that benefits future generations,” said Secretary Naig. “Through this initiative, Iowa 4-Hers and FFA members have an opportunity to honor our nation’s history while strengthening their communities. I encourage chapters and clubs across the state to join us in celebrating this milestone moment in our nation’s history by planting an official A250 tree in their communities that will live on for generations.

EMILI celebrates women producers during International Year of the Woman Farmer

2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the essential, and often unrecognized roles that women play across the agrifood system. This International Women’s Day, EMILI is spotlighting six women producers who play an integral role in Canadian agriculture.  Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with several women who play an integral role on farms as part of our This is Agriculture campaign. Read more about each woman below, and follow the links to read their whole story. Jordyn Wiebe Jordyn Wiebe grew up on her family’s farm, J.P. Wiebe Ltd., in MacGregor Manitoba. She spent her childhood working odd jobs to help the farm’s potato operation, and while she initially began her career off the farm, she was drawn back to her roots when she returned to become J.P. Wiebe Ltd.’s bookkeeper and farm and food safety manager. Read Jordyn’s story here. Jill Verwey Jill Verwey lives and breathes agriculture, holding roles as the office manager for Ver

Ontario Veterinary College at U of G Names New Dean  

The University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery, dean of the? Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service