Canadian farm leaders meet to debate issues, set policy

By Mark Reusser, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

This week, farm leaders from across Canada are gathering in Ottawa for the annual general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

It’s our opportunity once a year to get together as farmers from across the country and share our concerns and priorities on issues that are national in scope – like trade, climate change or soil health to name just a few – in hopes of coming up with solutions that will work for everyone.

I farm in Waterloo Region and am a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Our organization is an active member in the CFA, and I’ll be one of the delegates participating in that conference in Ottawa.

Just like our provinces and regions differ from each other, so does farming in each of those areas; the west is more heavily cattle and field crop-focused, from canola and wheat to peas, lentils and more, whereas eastern Canada is stronger in soybeans, corn, dairy, poultry and fruits and vegetables.

Knowing and understanding each other’s differences is key to being able to work together for the greater good of our entire sector, and the opportunity to make those connections face-to-face helps strengthen those relationships.

It’s at this meeting that we debate and approve resolutions that will help shape the direction of the CFA’s national advocacy priorities that make up the backbone of outreach activities with federal elected officials, political staff and bureaucrats.

That’s also why gathering in Ottawa is strategically important; it’s where decisions on policy that impacts our sector are made and we use this opportunity to not only meet with some of those stakeholders, but also invite them to join us at our convention, whether it’s for a workshop, plenary session or informal social event.

This year’s agenda, for example, features speakers from all four major federal political parties, including remarks from the federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, Lawrence MacAulay.