GUELPH, ON – With the announcement of Doug Ford’s new provincial cabinet today, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is anxious to get down to work with all new ministers who will interface with and have an impact on Ontario’s agriculture industry.
“We’re pleased with Ford’s choice of Ernie Hardeman for the minister responsible for agriculture, food and rural affairs for Ontario,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. Long-time MPP, agriculture minister under the Harris government and a recent agriculture critic, Hardeman comes to the job with plenty of experience. “And we look forward to working with the all other ministries that affect the agricultural industry including including Environment, Conservation and Parks; Infrastructure; Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Health and Long-Term Care; and Transportation.”
OFA is the leading provincial advocate for the agri-food industry, and its lobbying efforts on behalf of its 38,000 farm members depends on an effective working relationship with most provincial ministries.
“One of our key roles is to ensure that the governments regulations and policies that impact agriculture are considered from all angles, and well thought out about the impact on our agri-food sector,” says Currie. “OFA takes every opportunity to engage with politicians to talk about how vital our sector is to the province’s GDP and jobs.”
OFA’s outreach with Ontario’s 124 MPPs will be a continuation of the key messages presented through its Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign. “We are ready to go with in-the-field events and Queen’s Park briefings to reinforce the needs of our sector – from energy to infrastructure to ensuring a reliable, affordable and safe food system for all Ontarians.”
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.