In a pivotal moment for Canada, collaboration across agriculture has never mattered more

By Ethan Wallace, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

For farm leaders, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) annual summer meeting is always a highlight on the calendar. It’s a chance to gather with other sector leaders from across the country, take stock of the current landscape, and work on charting a united path forward.

This year, the gathering held even more significance than usual.

With a new federal government in place and major challenges ahead, it’s clear that Canada is at a pivotal moment in its history – and that includes agriculture. The choices we make now will shape the future of our farms, our food system, and rural communities for decades to come.

My family and I farm just outside of Seaforth near Lake Huron. I’m also a Vice President with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and I’m proud that our organization continues to play a leading role in uniting voices in our sector.

Earlier this year, we spearheaded a coordinated communications effort among Ontario’s agricultural organizations to draw attention to both the challenges and the growth potential tied to trade, tariffs, and domestic policy. It was a proactive push to ensure government is not only hearing from us—but hearing a consistent, united message.