Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Food Producers Need Proper Respect to Feed a Growing World Population

By Lorne Small
December 16, 2011
 
Canada is one of the few countries that is a net exporter of food. We have more arable land per capita than any other country except Australia and Kazakhstan. Canada is also blessed with fertile soils, dependable rainfall, accommodating climate, world class infrastructure, and farmers that know how to produce. In the years ahead, Canada will have a moral responsibility to use all of these resources to feed a growing world population.


According to the United Nations, world’s population recently passed the seven billion mark. But more important is the rapidly improving incomes in the developing world. Many more citizens of the world can now afford a good diet. They are demanding more protein, especially protein from meats. These world trends place Canada and Canadian farmers in an enviable position. Canada can be a world class leader in food production. Perhaps it is time that all Canadians looked at agriculture as one of the great industries in our country.

Ontario Agriculture Minister Ted McMeekin recently reminded the CFFO Convention that the agriculture and food sector is the largest industry in Ontario. It is larger than the auto industry and the forestry industry. It is a major creator of jobs and prosperity in Ontario. It is time we asked our government leadership to recognize agriculture as a growth industry and nurture it accordingly.


During the past decade there have been a number of new or changed regulations that have impacted Ontario agriculture. I expect that all have very good social value to the general population. But many Ontario citizens do not realize the impact these socially desirable initiatives have had on farmers and food production.


The Nutrient Management Act and Source Water Protection came about as a result of the tragedy in Walkerton. Minimum wage laws targeted at the fast food and hospitality industry have damaged our fruit and vegetable industry by making them less competitive with imports from countries with much less regard for their workers. Species at Risk and Animal Protection legislation appears to be socially progressive but has made many livestock producers reconsider producing livestock. Unfortunately, farmers bear the major burden of these social initiatives while their urban cousins bear no burden at all.


As farmers we are asking all citizens and their elected government to respect your rural cousins - your food producers. Give us the flexibility to do what we do best – innovate, expand and compete on the world stage. If we all work together we can all prosper.
 

 
 

Lorne Small is the President of 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: 46

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

Winter Wheat Variety Yield and Market Share Data – 2025

Winter wheat data from the 2024-2025 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Trials (MCVET) is in! This data provides farmers with unbiased information regarding regional variety performance, allowing for variety comparison. Data was derived from small plot replicated trails from locations across Manitoba. Fungicides were not applied to these plots; thus, true genetic potential can be evaluated. Although considerable data is collected from MCVET, the disease ratings are from variety registration data. Table 2 below summarizes the yield results from the 2025 MCVET data by trial location. The yield results represent 2025 data only; therefore long-term trends should be considered when making variety selection decisions. Previous yield data can be found in past editions of Seed Manitoba. As well, apart from yield, there are other variety characteristics to consider when making variety selection decisions, these include disease, insect, and lodging resistance. Check out this Manitoba Crop Allianc

Connecting the Farm Gate to Parliament Hill

The parliamentary summer recess left many questions unresolved as issues of trade, taxation and economic competitiveness took centre stage. While Ottawa was quiet, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) was active in the field, using the summer months to connect directly with producers and show policymakers the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming. In August, we travelled from Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into Alberta on the annual GGC Summer Tour. Over five days and over 2,000 kilometres, the tour provided an opportunity to walk fields, see crop conditions firsthand and visit the operations of directors and members. Each stop highlighted both the diversity and the shared challenges of grain farming, from crop rotations and new varieties to high input costs, weather extremes and market volatility. The tour also created a platform to connect with local Members of Parliament and the media. MP Colin Reynolds joined us near Steinbach. MB, for a tour of Manitoba Crop Allian

Harvest Surges Ahead — But is Quality Holding Up?

Warm and dry conditions have been pushing harvest along across Alberta, with 42% of all crops now in the bin, according to the new crop report. That’s ahead of both the 5-year (40%) and 10-year (32%) averages. Most regions are running above their long-term pace, though the South is slightly behind its average despite being furthest along overall. Regional Progress South: 52% complete — still leading the province, though below the usual 65% average. Rye, winter wheat, and peas are nearly finished. Grasshoppers, gophers, flea beetles, and ergot have been spotted in some fields. Central: 31% complete versus a 42% average. Dry peas are nearly done at 89%, with canola swathing in full swing. North East: 41% complete — well above the usual 22%. Rye and winter wheat are already finished. North West: 41% complete, ahead of its 24% average. Cereals are nearly wrapped up, and canola harvest is just starting. Gopher numbers are running high. Peace: 38% complete, ahead of the 21% average. Peas a

Jaylor launches advanced 6000 Series TMR mixers

Jaylor unveils its 6000 Series TMR Mixers featuring quicker mixing, lower horsepower needs, and enhanced durability, helping farmers cut costs and improve feeding efficiency starting October 1, 2025.

From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara

The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is coming to West Lincoln in the heart of Niagara. With the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” this year’s IPM promises a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local heritage, and rural life.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service