Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Farmers can Still Influence Growing Forward 2

By Nathan Stevens
July 6, 2012
 
The future of farm programming in Growing Forward 2 remains unannounced, allowing more time for farmers and farm groups to influence the future. This summer is a vital opportunity for farmers and other stakeholders to provide their input on the safety net and strategic investments that support them in different ways.
 
Agriculture programming in Canada is driven by the reality of potential international competition and trade. Safety net programming seriously considers the potential impact on trade for export oriented commodities. Strategic investments have the potential to place Canada positively in the international arena. Given the size of our country and relatively small population, it makes business sense for a number of Canada’s agricultural industries to focus on increased trade in the global marketplace.
 
When it comes to safety net programming, the roles and responsibilities of industry and government in managing risk are a key part of the discussion, as well as the range of possible program design options. Whether through commodity associations, or the sector as a whole, farmers now have a chance to review safety net principles and determine if they want to maintain the status quo, make subtle shifts in policy, or embark in a new direction.
 
The other key consideration is the area of strategic investment. These are programs like the Environmental Farm Plan, the Food Safety and Traceability Initiative, and well as a wide variety of research programs and other grants. As many farmers know from personal experience in the last few years, these programs are already underfunded. Farm organizations and commodity groups need to consider whether industries as a whole will be farther ahead in the long-run by maintaining or improving these programs.
 
Ontario’s farmers still have the chance to provide input into the programs that help them through tough economic times or position them for the future. Now is the time for grassroots farmers to let their general farm organisations, their commodity groups, and their local politicians know if they are satisfied with the principles that are guiding agricultural programming in Canada.

 

Nathan Stevens is the Interim Manager and Director of Policy Development 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: 47

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

Corteva bringing Telbek PRO fungicide to Canadian wheat growers

The product is the first Group 21 fungicide in cereals

ODA accepting 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer nominations

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is joining partners at all levels in celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, according to a recent news release.. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, the IYWF highlights a global commitment to empowering and recognizing women in agriculture. “Help us celebrate Oregon women in agriculture,” said ODA Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson in the release. “Share stories about their inspiration, the challenges they face, and the benefits of supporting female farmers and their contributions to our resilient agriculture and food systems. Send us your stories, and we will help raise awareness of the achievements of women in Oregon agriculture.” ODA invites industry partners and the public to submit stories and photos. The agency plans to feature these women across its communication platforms throughout the year. To participate, complete the online form at oda.direct/IYWF. Submissions will be shared on ODA’s Facebook

Advancing small business in rural Eastern Ontario

Eastern Ontario is fortunate to have not-for-profit organizations that are dedicated to helping small, rural businesses grow through financial support, guidance and strategic planning. Assistance can be found through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) for funding support for job creation and investment, as well as through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to support skilled trades advancement, training, apprenticeships and provincial employment services. In addition, the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is part of a national group of 60 Ontario and 267 Canadian CFDCs, supported by both the provincial and federal governments, to build strong, rural communities. This organization offers counsel for community-based projects, business services and access to business loans up to $150,000. Under the umbrella of the CFDC is the Community Futures Eastern Ontario (CFEO), a regional association with professional members focus

Farmers provide ‘on the job training’ for Ontario agriculture minister

Trevor Jones is coming up on his first year as Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and says the job has been a humbling learning experience. Since taking on the portfolio in March, Jones said he’s visited people on farms in communities across Ontario, at dinner tables, in stables and barns. Beginning his career with the Ontario Provincial Police, Jones later took on an executive role in the fresh food industry. Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, Jones said farmers have “welcomed me with open arms.” One thing he has learned from meeting farmers across Ontario is to ask questions. “If you don’t know, they know,” Jones said. “You can’t fake it.” When you ask questions, he said, “A farmer’s eyes will light up and tell you their story about challenges, opportunities, ideas and they’ll train you on the job. “So right now, it’s on the job training. Our farming families across the Ontario are training me to be a good minister.”

Funds meant as hand-up to farming, agriculture

Ontario farmers and agriculture-based businesses looking to bite into a chunk of $20 million in provincial and federal funds can start submitting applications at the end of next month. The funds, for enhancing or expanding existing operations, intend to give qualified recipients a hand-up "in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty," a provincial news release said on Tuesday. Applications to the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency Initiative can be made between Feb. 17 and March 17. "This investment will help our local farmers and agribusinesses sell more (Ontario-grown) products to markets around the world," Ontario Agriculture minister Trevor Jones said in the news release. Jones, a former police officer, grew up in Leamington, a southwestern Ontario farming hub. Program applicants must have less than 500 employees, a backgrounder says. Information about how to apply is available online at ontario.ca. Also this week, an Ottawa-based association of Canadian agricult

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service