Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Seminar Series to Focus on Improving the Farm Regulatory Process

By John Clement
February 25, 2011

Ontario’s farmers are fed up with the heavily regulated business environment in which they operate their businesses. At the same time, society and government have become overly cautious, trying to out-smart common sense by putting more and more costly rules and regulations in place that are burdening our farming community.

This year’s CFFO Seminar Series is entitled Enough is Enough and examines the case for an improved regulatory process. An annual event for 16 years, the organization’s seminar series aims at facilitating grassroots participation in policy development. This year’s edition will explore the reasons for the over-regulated farm business situation and will look towards alternative approaches to regulations that can be proposed to elected leaders, other organizations and the consuming public.

Long-time CFFO friend, Bill van Geest, will be the principal facilitator for the series. He is a trained facilitator, executive coach and strategic planner and enjoys helping organizations and their leaders move forward with clarity and purpose. Nathan Stevens, the CFFO’s Research and Policy Advisor, will also be on hand at selected locations to work alongside those in attendance.

Bob Seguin and Al Mussell, from the George Morris Centre, will draw on their experiences as members of “Canada’s Independent Agri-Food Think Tank” to help attendees explore the rationale and complexities behind legislation and regulations. Seguin has first-hand knowledge in understanding regulations, having served as a senior manager in several government departments.

Join us as we explore and critique the frustrating and complex world of legislation and regulations. The CFFO Seminar Series is open to all who wish to attend. Log on to the CFFO’s website at www.christianfarmers.org for details on how to register and where our individual seminars are being held. We encourage you to attend a seminar in your local community for information, provocative facilitation, fellowship and a good lunch. We welcome the contribution of your time and thoughts.

John Clement is the General Manager 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, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 42

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

St. Lawrence Seaway Workers Ratify New Four-Year Agreement

Unionized workers at the St. Lawrence Seaway have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, providing labour stability along a critical Canadian grain and commodity export corridor. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation said in a release Wednesday the agreement covers employees represented by five Unifor locals. The previous collective agreement expired on March 31, 2026. “A four-year agreement provides greater stability and predictability for our customers, our employees and the industries that depend on the Seaway,” said SLSMC president and CEO Jim Athanasiou. The agreement is particularly significant for the grain sector following the disruption caused by an eight-day Unifor strike in October 2023. About 360 workers walked off the job Oct. 22, shutting down most Seaway lock operations and halting vessel traffic between the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River during the busy fall grain shipping season. The shutdown quickly backed up grain movement, especially in

Saskatchewan Yield Estimates Mixed Versus StatsCan as Harvest Reaches 41%

Saskatchewan’s 2026 yield estimates are mixed compared with Statistics Canada’s September projections, with some crops coming in noticeably higher and others below. Thursday’s Saskatchewan crop report put this year’s average durum yield in the province at 46 bu/acre, comfortably above StatsCan’s projection of 40.9, while soybeans were pegged at 33 bu compared with 27.4 for StatsCan. Saskatchewan also has flax at 26 bu/acre versus StatsCan’s 22.4, while lentils are estimated by the province at 1,469 lbs/acre, above StatsCan’s 1,361 lbs, and mustard at 1,024 pounds versus the federal agency’s 1,001. However, the provincial estimate for canola is lower at 39 bu/acre compared to StatsCan’s 41.9, while barley is estimated at 73 bu, below 75.8 for StatsCan. Dry peas are also slightly lower at 38 bu versus 39 for StatsCan. The province has the average Hard Red Spring wheat yield at 52 bu/acre, and other spring wheat at 56 bu, compared to StatsCan’s spring wheat yield of 52.1 bu. Oats ar

AAFC moving forward with research farm closures

Minister MacDonald responded to a committee report on the issue

Mondelez Invests in Canadian Farms to Support Growth

Mondelez Canada Inc. has invested in Area One Farms Fund V to provide family farms with growth capital, strengthening supply chains and supporting regenerative agriculture.

FCC Report Highlights Challenges for Food Manufacturers

Canadian food and beverage manufacturers achieved an $88.1-billion sales total in mid-2026, though price inflation masked flat production volumes amid growing trade uncertainties.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service