Nominations now open for 2023 Zone Directors

Are you interested in joining OFA’s Board of Directors, but wonder what the role entails? Fulfilling the role of a provincial Director offers the opportunity to influence policy development, advocate for Ontario’s agriculture and food industry through government relations and communications, engage with grassroots members and industry stakeholders on the key issues and priorities impacting the agri-food sector, provide input on the strategic planning process for the organization and work in collaboration with energetic and enthusiastic board members and staff to positively impact Ontario’s agriculture industry.

Through ongoing advocacy work and discussions with government policymakers and industry partners, the Board of Directors is committed to enhancing the agri-food industry and the business of farming for all farmers across the province. It’s a role that requires attendance at nine board meetings throughout the year, including a board tour in the summer and the Annual General Meeting in November. It offers the opportunity to engage MPPs by participating in lobby day events at Queen’s Park, meeting and speaking with elected officials and staff on the issues facing the agri-food sector and the priorities for our industry moving forward. It’s a chance to influence meaningful change at the provincial level by providing a voice for our 38,000 farm family members. Additional attendance at various meetings, committees and consultations, including federal, provincial, municipal and local county federation meetings, is also expected as part of the role of the board member. On average, it’s anticipated a board member will spend approximately 35 days per year on OFA business. All board members are provided per diems, expenses and mileage pertaining to OFA work.

This year, elections for the Board of Directors will be held in five zones across the province. Nominations will be accepted starting June 1 and will close June 30. Elections will run from August 21 – September 8.

Election Zones:

Zone 1 – Essex, Kent
Zone 8 – Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa, Renfrew
Zone 11 – Dundas, Frontenac, Grenville, Leeds
Zone 12 – Hastings, Lennox & Addington, Northumberland, Prince Edward
Zone 15 – Northern Ontario

Nominees must be OFA voting members who reside in the Zone.

If only one valid nomination is submitted from a Zone, that individual will be declared elected to the Board by acclamation. However, if two or more individuals are properly nominated and agree to allow their name to stand for election, there will be an election held.

OFA will accept an email from a nominator in place of a signature. The nominator email should include:

1. First and last name of person being nominated
2. OFA member number of the person being nominated
3. Zone number
4. First and last name of the nominator
5. OFA member number of the nominator

Click here to access the nomination form.

All nominations should be sent to Cathy Lennon, General Manager by fax or by email marked CONFIDENTIAL. Confirmation of receipt of a nomination will be sent to the nominee.

Email:             cathy.lennon@ofa.on.ca

Nominations received after close of business (5:00 p.m.) on June 30, 2023 are invalid.

Joining OFA as a Director is not only an exciting opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable, experienced and motivated members of the board and staff, but it’s also the chance to represent your local farming community and positively impact the livelihoods of 49,600 Ontario farms. It’s a commitment that has the potential to benefit you and the agri-food industry.

If you’re interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to OFA or one of our elected Directors – ofa.on.ca/about-ofa/board-of-directors.

For more information on the role of a provincial Zone Director, please click here.