Calling all Ontario producers: share your views on farm programs

Farmers can influence the development future farm stewardship programs

By Jennifer Jackson

Ontario producers can influence future stewardship programing by participating in an online study. Elan Lemaitre-Curri, PhD candidate, overseen by Stephan Schott, professor at Carleton University, is conducting the survey to gather farmer’s preferences regarding a variety of potential program scenarios.

“The survey is on stewardship programs supporting farmers with environmental and soil health projects on their farms,” says Lemaitre-Curri. “The goal is to understand what programs farmers would prefer, and what aspects in the programs matter most. Is it the level of financial support alone? Technical assistance? Support with the paper work? The farming background or technical expertise of the program contact point? … Or a combination of those (questions)?”

Lemaitre-Curri would like to see a wide variety of producers take the survey.

“We are encouraging all farmers to respond, whether they have already participated in stewardship programs or not,” she says. “The research method recognizes that not all farmers have the same preferences and that preferences may vary depending on the types of practices supported.”

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The survey is a chance for producers to share their preferences and opinions, which will help shape the programs that will be available to them, says Lemaitre-Curri.

“By completing the survey, farmers will inform (creators of) future programs for Ontario farmers, (while) support(ing) scientific research,” she says. “(Also, farmers) can enter in draw to win one of 30 gas cards valued between $20 and $200.”

 Once the survey closes at the end of April, survey results will be available online. The survey should take farmers 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed on Carleton University’s website.