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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021
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ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
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2021 Annual General Meeting
Table of Contents
2021 Annual General Meeting Agenda 4
President’s Report 6
General Manager’s Report 8
2020 AGM Minutes 11
Speaker Biographies 16
Sponsors 17
2021 Board of Directors 19
OFA Past Presidents 19
2022 Policy Advisory Council 20
OFA Staff Directory 22
Updates on 2020 AGM Resolutions 24
OFA Zone Areas 30
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Agenda
Monday, November 22, 2021
09:00 Call to Order & Official Opening – Peggy Brekveld, OFA President
09:05 Premier Doug Ford video greetings
09:10 OFA Year in Review video highlights
* 09:20 Approval of 2020 Minutes
Receive Financial Statements, August 31, 2021
Approve the Auditor’s Report
Appointment of Auditors 2021-2022
Appointment of Election Chairperson and Election Procedure
09:40 Mary Robinson, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture
* 09:50 Election of Director-at-Large
10:15 Health Break
10:30 Keynote Speaker – Terry O’Reilly, Canadian radio host & personality
11:15 OFA initiatives focused on Connecting with Ontarians
12:00 Lunch Break
01:00 Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
01:20 Resolutions
02:20 Announcements
02:40 Closing remarks
02:45 Adjournment
* An Order of the Day 2021 AGM Agenda
4 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting
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5
President’s Report
Obviously, I could blame it friends, who both fill in the gaps
on my genes! I am coming to when I can’t be everywhere at
realize that this is a part of me, the same time, who encourage
though, how I process life in my me to keep going when things
mind. Talking things out helps are tough. I see how the great-
us process priorities and make est work OFA does is when it’s
good decisions. The good partnering with commodities
thing about talking to yourself and other organizations, fight-
or your “echo chamber” is that ing the good fight together,
you rarely disagree with your- speaking up for agriculture and
self. The challenge however, sharing the messages that will
Every once in a while, you get is that the answers you find move us closer to Farms and
asked a great question. The can be very narrow in scope Food Forever.
kind of question that makes and knowledge – there is only
you pause, think deeper, and one working towards the right One commodity leader sent
respond more slowly, because answer. me a message after a meeting,
you really care about the an- “I appreciate everything that
swer. Last week, I got asked What is the one message that we’ve been able to accomplish
five of those questions – all in you’re telling yourself right together, and I think all farmers
one interview. now? in this province need to see no
one can get anywhere alone
While I am not going to detail all Now, as we continue to come anymore.” I agree, I responded.
of my answers to you (hopefully through a pandemic world that This year, we have partnered
you read them in Better Farm- appears to be full of post-trau- on farmer mental health re-
ing magazine), I did want to matic stress... Now – as weath- sources, environment conver-
focus on one of them specifical- er extremes push us to make sations, pandemic responses,
ly; what is one message you’re tough decisions on the farm sharing notices and events,
telling yourself right now? and keep us worrying at night… Northwestern Ontario drought
Now – as we consider how to response, diversity, equity and
It made me chuckle. I remem- protect our mental health and
bered my grandmother, who inclusion training, labour issues
wellness, how to protect farm- and food processing conversa-
was a widow at age 59, and land for future generations,
lived many years alone. She tions. Those partners include
how to better the environment, government, industry stake-
would proudly joke about say- how to ensure all the work gets
ing to herself, “Well Margaret, holders, commodity organiza-
done… tion and even some non-farm-
what are we going to do?” She
was perfectly sane and laughed What I realize is that I cannot ing organizations. I believe
at herself as she told me that do it alone. No one can. Even if we’ve been able to move the
she even played Scrabble be- you talk to yourself! needle and get further ahead
tween “Me and “Margaret” on because of the work we’ve
lonely days. I am acutely aware of how done together – as a collabora-
important connection is, both tive voice.
If you hang around me for a at home, on the farm, and in
while, you will know that I also the greater community. I can- Partnership is a combination of
occasionally talk and sing to not do my role at OFA without understanding common goals,
myself when I think I am alone. the support of my family and hearing each other’s needs
6 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
and motivation, and connecting • If you ate today, a farmer grew been doing it for years. For
in ways to move the common it, and the best food is grown others, it will be a learning ex-
goals forward. in Ontario. perience. That’s okay. Between
• We care about the environ- county and regional federations
This year, the theme of our AGM and the provincial organization,
is Connecting with Ontarians. ment, too, and want to be able
to grow food for generations, there are lots of ideas and ways
The theme speaks to the ways to get involved.
in which our organization, in so we aim to be good stew-
collaboration with others, is ards of the land. I am looking forward to con-
working diligently to find more • When we revive downtown necting with you, our members,
ways connect to all Ontarians. cores and work within a city’s at the AGM, and potentially in
It is more than just farmers current footprint, we have the coming year, virtually or
telling our story; it is also about the potential to both invest in in-person. And I can’t wait to see
informing those outside of our complete communities, bet- where this conversation goes.
own echo chamber about the ter use of infrastructure and
strength and personality of provide food security for all Sincerely,
Ontario’s food value chain. It is Ontarians.
about creating a connection to
shared values. Connection that You get the picture! For some
includes: of us, these conversations will Peggy Brekveld
come naturally. Some have OFA President
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General Manager’s Report
ties and launch new advocacy a commitment to affordable, re-
initiatives. It has always been liable broadband access for all
our top priority to maintain an of Ontario by the end of 2025.
open line of communication In addition, new investments
with our federal, provincial and in research and technology in
municipal officials no matter the livestock sector at both the
what platform we connected farm and processing level is
on. We’ve had to be flexible welcome. Recognition of these
and adaptable, and patient from priorities with resources and
Everyone across the organiza-
time to time with the internet, funding such as we’ve seen
tion – from county and regional
but it allowed us to maintain in 2021 will help to ensure this
federations to our staff to pro-
and grow relationships, and sector is sustainable, profitable
vincial board members – have
forge new ones while engaging and productive moving forward.
played a vital role in the suc-
in critical conversations about
cess of the OFA over the last 12 A silver lining of the pandemic
policy and legislation impact-
months. Our collective passion and our move to conducting the
ing our members. As a result
and dedication to improving the majority of our business virtually
of these efforts and industry
livelihoods of our 38,000 mem- has been the reduced operat-
collaborations, Ontario agricul-
bers never cease to amaze me. ing costs of the organization,
ture has been the beneficiary of
Collaboration, leadership and resulting in a surplus budget
several government announce-
teamwork are critical to our ad- over the past two years. This
ments related to funding and
vocacy efforts and I’m proud of has allowed the OFA a unique
investments that will greatly
the results we’ve accomplished opportunity to boost our invest-
benefit the industry moving
together alongside many indus- ments into our agricultural com-
forward.
try partners and stakeholders munities across Ontario. One of
as the voice of Ontario’s agri- Some of the key successes for the ones we’re most proud of
culture industry. our sector this year came in the is the Revive Fund, and making
form of connecting with Ontar- significant investments in our
As the leading advocate for
ians around issues of impor- county and regional federa-
farmers in Ontario, we’ve con-
tance to all citizens, including tions to help our farming and
tinued to host critical discus-
food security and farmland rural communities initiate and
sions with farm leaders, engage
preservation as well as funding fuel projects that are import-
in conversations with govern-
for mental health. We’ve seen ant locally. We have been able
ment policymakers at all levels,
significant commitments to ex- to direct emergency financial
conduct Policy Advisory Council
pansion of natural gas pipelines support to farmers in Northern
meetings, participate in county
across the province, invest- Ontario and across Canada by
and regional federation activi-
ments in rural infrastructure and donating to Hay North and Hay
8 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
West initiatives in the amount ing for responsible land use ing Ontario’s agri-food sector
of $100,000. Another example planning and environmental remains profitable and sustain-
is that OFA has been able to sustainability, labour and work- able.
make additional investments force development, food value
Sincerely,
in leadership development chain security, rural infrastruc-
through providing extraordi- ture and affordable energy and
nary support to the Advanced mental health and wellness. We
Agricultural Leadership Pro- look forward to keeping these Cathy Lennon
gram to assist them to adapt to priorities at the forefront of the General Manager
delivering their program during government’s agenda, while
COVID-19 as well as donating a looking ahead to a provincial
2021 Honda ATV to 4-H Ontario election in June 2022.
for one of their fundraising cam-
paigns supporting youth across In closing, I would like to take
the province. These examples this opportunity to sincerely
of ‘paying it forward’ are what thank you – our members – for
makes the agriculture commu- your continued trust, loyalty
nity such a fantastic, heartwarm- and support of our organiza-
ing and proud industry to work tion. Without you, we would not
in. It has been an absolute plea- exist. Thank you to our 18 board
sure to see everyone across of directors for your dedication,
the organization and industry leadership and excellence in
come together to support one agriculture. Your passion and
another and continue to grow commitment to improving the
and learn while COVID has kept business of farming in Ontario
us largely physically apart. I am is unmatched. And to our staff,
convinced we will come out thank you for your passion,
the other side of this stronger commitment, adaptability and
than ever before through these dependability in always being
partnerships. there to serve our members
and the organization. It truly is a
OFA’s strategic priorities will team effort.
continue to serve as a road
map for the organization as we We will continue to work hard
tackle issues and opportuni- on your behalf, putting the
ties in the agri-food sector. We issues and priorities that matter
remain committed to advocat- most to you first and ensur-
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10 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting2020 AGM Minutes
1. Call to Order 4. Keith Currie - President’s Remarks
President Keith Currie called the 2020 Virtual OFA Keith Currie welcomed the delegates to OFA’s 2020
Annual General Meeting to order. Virtual Annual General Meeting.
He noted that this has been a year like no other, but
2. Hon. Ernie Hardeman – Minister of Agricul- OFA is still tackling the issues and working on behalf
ture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Ontario farmers to ensure that we have farms
and food for ever.
The Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs addressed the delegates. Keith introduced a Year in Review video, which
Minister Hardeman praised Ontario’s agri-food sector visually encapsulated all of the organization’s accom-
for their unwavering commitment to producing food plishments in 2020. The video highlighted advocacy
efforts, key issue and priority wins with government,
for the province and the world.
COVID-19 response and resources, mental health
In looking ahead to the 2021 growing season, he and farm safety campaigns, introduction of new
touched on the government’s newly launched strat- board members and food literacy initiatives.
egy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on farms and
ensured measures will be put in place to ensure the
safety of the agri-food sector. 5. Agenda Approval
Minister Hardeman added that he will continue to Motion: Hemsted/Nurse… “THAT the 2020 Virtual
strive for improvement to government agricultural pro- Annual General Meeting Agenda be approved.”
grams and represent Ontario farmers’ best interests.
CARRIED
3. Premier of Ontario – The Honourable
Doug Ford
6. Approval of 2019 Minutes
OFA was pleased to have Premier Doug Ford on the
virtual stage to address the membership and show Motion: Dignard/Meekes … “THAT the 2019 AGM
his continued support for Ontario’s agri-food sector. Minutes be approved.”
The Premier identified how important the agriculture
and food industry is to the provincial economy and CARRIED
how instrumental the sector will be for solidifying
economic recovery post-pandemic. He thanked
Ontario’s farm families for their resiliency and com- 7. Receive Financial Statements,
mitment in keeping Ontarian’s plates full of fresh, August 31, 2020
high-quality and affordable food, saying “Ontario
Motion: Mous/Campbell … “THAT the Auditor’s Re-
farmers ensured food continued to flow from farm
port and OFA Financial Statements for the period of
to table, grocery stores remained stocked and the
September 1, 2018 - August 31, 2020, be accepted.”
supply chain strong.”
He closed by stating that Ontario farmers have
CARRIED
proved to be modern day heroes in these unprece-
dented and difficult times.
Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 112020 AGM MINUTES
8. Appointment of Auditors 2020-2021 Leeds
Process for Election of Executive Members to OFA
Motion: Marchant/Knapton … “THAT the OFA An- Board
nual General Meeting delegates accepts the OFA
Board of Directors recommendation to have BDO Motion: Renaud/Danis … “THEREFORE BE IT RE-
Canada as OFA’s Auditor for the 2020/21 fiscal SOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
year.” (OFA) Board rescind the bylaw change which would
require the board to elect all executive positions af-
ter the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and replace
CARRIED
it with a bylaw change that allows the board to
elect its President after the AGM, but allows mem-
9. Appointment of Election Chairperson and bers to elect the vice presidents and the executive
Election Procedure member at the AGM. This would allow OFA to be
compliant with the Act and still allow members the
Motion: Hudson/Empringham … “THAT Cathy Len- democratic choice to elect the future executive
non be appointed as Elections Chair.” team.”
CARRIED LOST
10. Ratification of Amended By-law 11. Keynote Speaker – Brent Butt
General Manager Cathy Lennon explained the Bylaw A highlight of the AGM was keynote speaker Brent
amendments that had been previously approved the Butt.
OFA Board of Directors and posted on OFA’s web-
Mr. Butt’s question and answer period shared life
site. advice on how to find inspiration and stay positive
OFA received two resolutions from Dundas and during hardships and facing fears such as public
Leeds Counties that pertained to the proposed speaking.
amended by-law.
12. Bylaw 20-1 Ratification
The following two resolutions were presented prior
Motion: Glaude/Smith … “THAT the bylaw amend-
to the ratification vote of Bylaw 20.1.
ments as proposed by the OFA Board of Directors
be confirmed and ratified by the membership as
Dundas
Bylaw 20.1.”
Delaying of Bylaw
Motion: Mellon/DeVries … “THEREFORE BE IT RE- CARRIED
SOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
(OFA) delay the ratification of decision of bylaw
change, under the Corporations Act until OFA del- 13. Election of Director-at-Large
egates can meet in person at the Annual General
Elections Chair Cathy Lennon introduced the follow-
Meeting to allow proper grassroots input.”
ing nominees for OFA Director At Large:
LOST Peggy Brekveld
Barclay Nap
Jamie Reaume
12 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting2020 AGM MINUTES
Each candidate addressed the delegates followed Renfrew
by a question-and-answer session and electronic Local Abattoirs
ballot.
Motion: Armstrong/Vander Galien … “THEREFORE
Cathy Lennon declared Peggy Brekveld elected as
BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of
Director At Large for a three-year term.
Agriculture pursue the Ontario Ministry of Agricul-
ture Food and Rural Affairs to improve clarity and
simplicity in the provincial regulations made under
14. Resolutions
the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, and create
Elgin opportunities for local abattoirs, who are a very
Request for Modified CVOR for Transport of Farm important part of a local food supply chain, to be
Product from Field to Storage able to help Ontario’s best in class local food, meet
the demands of its customers while strengthening a
Motion: Vandenbroek/Devries … “THEREFORE BE very important local food system.”
IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Ag-
riculture work with related ministries to develop a
modified Commercial vehicle operator’s registration CARRIED
(CVOR) requirement or Agricultural Trucking Permit
for farm operators whose trucks are not used for Frontenac
carrying payloads to end users but are strictly used Commercial Vehicle Registration
as part of a harvest between farms only.” Motion: Williamson/Tolls … “THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agricul-
CARRIED ture lobby the appropriate Minister/Ministry for the
regulation to be amended and /or interpreted that if
Perth
you are hauling your own produce/commodity that
Misuse of Minister’s Zoning Orders
a CVOR Certificate not be required nor a drivers log
Motion: Weitzel/Wood … “THEREFORE BE IT RE- or inspection report not be needed as you are not
SOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture being compensated for trucking and hauling your
encourage all local federations of agriculture to lob- own product and definitely not when used or could
by the Ontario government to stop the use of Minis- be used as a passenger vehicle.”
ters Zoning Orders (MZO) when there are rigorous,
well established, planning processes in place.”
CARRIED
CARRIED
East Nipissing/Parry Sound, West Nipissing/Sudbury
Russell
East & Algoma
Insurance Coverage for Straw
Slow Moving Vehicle Signage
Motion: Dignard/Wolfe … “THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agricul- Motion: Marchant/LeBlond … “THEREFORE BE IT
ture lobby Agricorp to modify their existing Forage RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agricul-
Plan to include straw from cereals using the same ture work with the MTO, municipal governments
rainfall stations across Ontario and offer coverage and other relevant stakeholders to improve the
to producers.” viability of installing slow moving vehicles travel
this roadway signage on local and provincial roads,
CARRIED and
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FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed- 15. Announcements
eration of Agriculture develop and provide techni-
cal support/resources for use by interested local This year’s OFA bursary recipients were Derek Van
federations to help facilitate the implementation of De Walle (St. Mary’s), Margaret Alexiou (Beeton) and
slow-moving vehicle safety programmes and the Caitlin Allen (Alfred).
installation of signs on local and provincial roads.” A special farewell and words of appreciation were
shared to thank two valued team members. Director
Debra Pretty-Straathof wrapped up her final term on
CARRIED
the Board after more than 20 years of dedicated ser-
Ottawa vice and Senior Policy Analyst Peter Jeffery will be
Wild/ Feral Pigs in Ontario retiring at year end following a 33-year career with
the organization.
Motion: Mussell/Williamson … “THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agricul- OFA also welcomed newest board member Jen-
ture (OFA) lobby the Minister of Agriculture, Food nifer Doelman, who will be replacing Debra Pret-
& Rural Affairs and the Ontario Government to ty-Straathof as the provincial director representing
implement programs to eradicate wild pigs and get the counties of Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa and Renfrew.
Ontario to be a wild pig free province, and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the OFA encour- 16. President’s Closing Remarks
age its members to report any sightings to (Ontario
Pork) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Keith Currie thanked OFA staff for all their hard work
and Forestry.” during this past year in this extraordinary time.
Keith also gave thanks to the farmers of Ontario for
CARRIED all they do and for their dedication on the backroads
during COVID-19.
Bruce
Infrastructure Funding
Motion: Gillespie/Nichols … “THEREFORE BE IT RE- 17. Adjournment
SOLVED that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture
collaborate with all relevant municipal stakeholders
to jointly lobby the province for additional infra-
structure funding targeted at rural municipalities.”
CARRIED
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trademarks or service 15
marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.Speaker Biographies
Carey. He has been a judge at at/Day. He created campaigns
the Cannes Advertising Festival for many of the top brands in
in France and was named Ra- the country, including Labatt,
dio Chairman for both the Inter- Molson, Tim Hortons, Volkswa-
national Clio Awards in Miami gen, Nissan and the Hudson’s
and the London International Bay Company. In 1990, Terry
Advertising Awards. When he’s co-founded Pirate Radio &
not creating advertising, he’s Television. A creative audio
talking about it as the host of production company producing
the award-winning CBC Ra- scripts, sound and music for ra-
dio One/Sirius Satellite/WBEZ dio and television commercials,
Chicago radio show, “Under Pirate grew to a staff of 50, with
KEYNOTE SPEAKER The Influence,” which was the
8 recording studios in Toronto
follow-up to the hit series, “The
Terry O’Reilly Age of Persuasion.”
and New York City. Terry was
given a Lifetime Achievement
Terry has won a few hundred Terry began his career as Copy Award by the advertising in-
national and international Chief for FM 108 radio in Burl- dustry, and an Honorary Doc-
awards for writing and has ington, Ontario, then went on torate of Laws from McMaster
directed such notable actors as to become an award-winning University. He has co-written a
Alec Baldwin, Ellen DeGeneres, copywriter for Toronto advertis- best-selling book called “The
Kiefer Sutherland, Bob Ne- ing agencies Campbell-Ewald, Age of Persuasion: How Mar-
whart, Martin Short and Drew Doyle Dane Bernbach and Chi- keting Ate Our Culture”.
Mary Robinson is a managing and led the Federation as
partner of a 6th generation President from 2015 to 2017.
family farm operation, Eric C. After serving on the Canadian
Robinson Inc. and its sister Ag HR Council board for seven
company Island Lime and years, Mary became CAHRC’s
serves on the boards of associ- first female chair in 2017. Mary
ated companies PEI Agromart currently serves on the Board
and Mid-Isle Farms. She holds of Directors for the WFO.
a degree in economics and
business and has worked in For many years Mary has been
Canada and in Scotland in all a leading advocate for the
facets of the potato industry agriculture industry, delivering
(agronomy, food processing, witness testimony and key
Mary Robinson and production). messaging at provincial and
President, Canadian She joined the PEI Federation federal levels to senior govern-
Federation of Agriculture of Agriculture board in 2008 ment officials.
16 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General MeetingSPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
vote in Huron-Bruce, as part of Teeswater on a farm that has
the Ontario PC government. been in her husband’s family
for 120 years. Lisa is a graduate
On June 18, 2021, Lisa was of the University of Guelph and
proudly appointed Ontario’s is also an alumnus of Class 6
40th Minister of Agriculture, of the Advanced Agricultural
Food and Rural Affairs by Pre- Leadership Program and the
mier Doug Ford. Prior to being George Morris Executive
Agriculture Minister, Lisa served Leadership Program. Before en-
as Minister of Government and tering into politics, Lisa served
Consumer Services, Ontario’s as the General Manager of the
Registrar General and Minister Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative
of Education. Additional to her (ODGC).
Hon. Lisa Thompson parliamentary roles, Lisa is hon-
Minister of Agriculture, oured to represent Ontario as Lisa has a long history of being
Chair for Commonwealth Wom- an active and engaged citizen,
Food & Rural Affairs
en Parliamentarians—Canada working with many commu-
Region. nity organizations. She is a
Lisa was first elected to Queen’s past Chair of the Ontario 4-H
Park in October 2011, re-elected Lisa was born and raised Foundation and also served as
in June, 2014, and she was near Wingham in Huron Vice-chair of Ontario Agri-Food
elected for a third term in June, County, but now calls Bruce Education Inc. (now known as
2018 by more than 50% of the County home as she lives near Agscape).
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Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 17COVID-19 & WORKPLACE SAFETY We can help!
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18 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting2021 Board of Directors
BOTTOM ROW (left to right): Louis Roesch, Teresa Van Raay, Crispin Colvin,
Drew Spoelstra, Peggy Brekveld, Mark Reusser, Tracey Arts, Rejean Pommainville
TOP ROW (left to right): Paul Vickers, Hugh Simpson, Bruce Buttar, Jennifer Doelman, Keith Currie,
Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Steve Brackenridge, Brent Royce
Absent: Mark Kunkel, Larry Davis
OFA Past Presidents
1936-1940 1950-1952 1964-1966 1990-1995 2011-2014
H.H. Hannam J.C. Brodrick Charles Huffman Roger George Mark Wales
1940-1941 1952-1954 1966-1969 1995-1997 2014-2016
James A. Gifford C.A. Milligan Charles Munroe Tony Morris Don McCabe
1941-1943 1954-1955 1969-1976 1997-1999 2016-2021
Harry H. Scott J.A. Ferguson Gordon Hill Ed Segsworth Keith Currie
1943-1945 1955-1957 1976-1979 1999-2002
Alex McKinney Lloyd Jasper Peter Hannam Jack Wilkinson
1945-1947 1957-1960 1979-1984 2002-2006
Kenneth Betzner Gordon W. Greer Ralph Barrie Ron Bonnett
1947-1949 1960-1962 1984-1986 2006-2008
R.A. Stewart William G. Tilden Harry Pelissero Geri Kamenz
1949-1950 1962-1964 1986-1990 2008-2011
R.W. Morrison A.H.K. Musgrave Brigid Pyke Bette Jean Crews
Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 192022 Policy Advisory Council
ALGOMA HAMILTON WENTWORTH NORTHEASTERN REGION
Kristen Taylor Michelle Spoelstra Michael Marchant
ARNPRIOR HASTINGS NORTHWESTERN REGION
John Shaw Gayle Grills Charles Regele
BRANT HURON NORTHUMBERLAND
Angela Leach Marinus Bakker Arlene Dorland
Rob Vanden Hengel
BRUCE Erica Murray OTTAWA
John Gillespie Terry Otto
Lorne Underwood KAWARTHA LAKES/
HALIBURTON OXFORD
DUFFERIN Paul Buckley Andrea Gal
Leo Blydorp Barry Baxter Henk Van Roekel
DUNDAS KENT PEEL
Stephen Mellon Jay Cunningham
Phillip Armstrong
Bill Parks
DURHAM
LAMBTON PERTH
Ken Lamb
Brian Eves Julie Danen
Ed Beach
Darcy Fuller Sara Wood
ELGIN Gary Martin Tim Halliday
Fons Vanderbroek
LANARK PETERBOROUGH
Greg Fentie
Brenda Cochran Elmer Buchanan
ESSEX
Josh Mailloux LEEDS PRESCOTT
Scott McLean Cornelia Danis Vacant
FRONTENAC LENNOX & ADDINGTON PRINCE EDWARD
Logan Orser Richard Pringle John Thompson
GLENGARRY MANITOULIN – NORTHSHORE RENFREW
William Orford Angela Field
Christopher Ferguson
MIDDLESEX
GRENVILLE RUSSELL
Patrick Verkley
Kirstan Bennett Michel Dignard
Dave Bolton
GREY Marcel Meyer SIMCOE
Hugh Simpson NIAGARA Colin Elliott
Dianne Booker Mike Chechalk Dave Ritchie
Robert Bator
HALDIMAND STORMONT
Henry Lise NORFOLK Mike Merriam
Brett Schuyler
HALTON Kees Meijaard TEMISKAMING – COCHRANE
Jamie Reaume Jason Ryder Charles Regele
20 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General Meeting2022 POLICY ADVISORY COUNCIL
THUNDER BAY ONTARIO EQUESTRIAN
Lisa Teeple Jean Szkotnicki
WATERLOO ONTARIO FLUE-CURED
Jeff Stager TOBACCO GROWERS
MARKETING BOARD
WELLINGTON
Vacant
Barclay Nap
Katie Normet ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE
YORK GROWERS ASSOCIATION
Gerald Kellington Gordon Stock
BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO ONTARIO GINSENG
Don Badour Remi Van De Slyke
CANADIAN THOROUGHBRED ONTARIO GREENHOUSE
HORSE SOCIETY VEGETABLE GROWERS
Peter Berringer George Gilvesy
CHICKEN FARMERS OF ONTARIO HARNESS HORSE
ONTARIO ASSOCIATION
Brian Lewis Jim Whelan
DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO ONTARIO HATCHERIES
Vacant ASSOCIATION
Susan Fitzgerald
EGG FARMERS OF ONTARIO
Tonya Haverkamp ONTARIO PORK
GAY-LEA FOODS Chris Cossitt
COOPERATIVE LIMITED
Vacant
ONTARIO PROCESSING
VEGETABLE GROWERS
GRAPE GROWERS OF ONTARIO Carl Merrick
Jim Morrison
SHEEP FARMERS OF
JFAO ONTARIO
Charlotte Huitema Marc Carere
ONTARIO APPLE GROWERS ONTARIO TENDER FRUIT PRO-
Joe Van de Gevel DUCERS MARKETING BOARD
Ryan Schuler
ONTARIO AQUACULTURE
ASSOCIATION TURKEY FARMERS OF
Raymond Taylor ONTARIO
Matt Steele
ONTARIO BEEKEEPERS
ASSOCIATION VEAL FARMERS OF ONTARIO
Jim Coneybeare Vacant
Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 21OFA Staff
GENERAL MANAGER Cathy Lennon Farm Policy Analyst Tina Schankula
Farm Policy Analyst Peter Sykanda
OFFICE OF OPERATIONS & BUSINESS Farm Policy Analyst Ian Nokes
DEVELOPMENT Farm Policy Analyst Danie Glanc
Director of Business Development Farm Policy Analyst Janice Janiec
& Member Benefits Tom Perkes
Policy Analyst Danielle Collins
Corporate Secretary Wendy Beaton (maternity leave)
Executive Liaison Kelly Alves
Capacity Development Coordinator Janine Lunn MEMBER SERVICES GROUP
Western Region
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resource Manager Dianna Saunders Manager Paul Nairn
MSR – Zone 1 Carol Verstraete
COMMUNICATIONS MSR – Zone 2 Joanne Hughes
Director of Digital Communications MSR – Zone 3 Will Stoneman
& Stakeholder Relations Tyler Brooks MSR – Zone 4 Laura Fraser
Events & Programs Coordinator Kaylee Coverdale MSR – Zone 5 Nadine Gill-Aarts
Communications Coordinator Amanda Miersma MSR – Zone 6 Joanne Fuller
Communications Specialist Michelle deNijs MSR – Zone 7 Margaret Vincent
Member Service Support
FINANCE, MEMBER RELATIONS & SYSTEM Representative Charlene Yungblut
GROUP
Director of Finance & Administration Jon Lazarus Eastern & Northern Regions
Director of Information Technology
Services Tosh Sondh Manager Brian Hamilton
Payroll & Accounting Specialist Cheryl Cole MSR – Zone 8 Deb Knapton
Administrative & Building Support Lynne Dyson MSR – Zone 9 Gord Grant
Members Relations Supervisor Kelly Somerville MSR – Zone 10 Mark Torrey
Bilingual Member Relations MSR – Zone 11 Ruth Vogel
Representative Melissa Sauvé Cook MSR – Zone 12 Resi Walt
Member Relations Representative Lani Romero MSR – Zone 13 Leah Emms
Member Relations Representative Virginia Seiler MSR – Zone 14 Sonia Dignard
MSR – Zone 15 Stephanie Vanthof,
FARM POLICY RESEARCH GROUP Bernie Zimmerman & Carolyn Huber
Director of Policy Research Jason Bent
Senior Farm Policy Analyst Ben Lefort
22 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General MeetingAre you a sheep
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Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 23Updates on 2020 AGM Resolutions
20-11-03 20-11-04
Elgin Perth
Request for Modified CVOR for Transport of Misuse of Minister’s Zoning Orders
Farm Product from Field to Storage
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed-
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed-
eration of Agriculture encourage all local federations
eration of Agriculture work with related ministries to
of agriculture to lobby the Ontario government to stop
develop a modified Commercial vehicle operator’s
the use of Ministers Zoning Orders (MZO) when there
registration (CVOR) requirement or Agricultural Truck-
are rigorous, well established, planning processes in
ing Permit for farm operators whose trucks are not
place.
used for carrying payloads to end users but are strictly
used as part of a harvest between farms only.
Activity:
Activity: As a result of the submitted resolution the OFA Board
of Directors passed the following motion:
OFA contacted Andrew O’Connor from Ontario Minis-
try of Transportation requesting assistance in elevating “THAT OFA develop a resource guide for local feder-
a request to develop an agricultural-modified CVOR ations to aid in their discussions with their respective
June 2021. municipalities regarding land use planning matters
concerning agricultural land no matter how it is
OFA engaged Ministry of Transportation (MTO) staff zoned; and
through spring 2021. The ministry responded this
summer, that they are planning a review of the CVOR THAT OFA include in such a resource guide that a
program’s application process and assessment tools, municipality should be encouraged to refrain from
of commercial vehicle requirements, knowledge, and requesting that the Ontario government issue a
best practices to ensure safe operation, and that the Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZO) for zoning changes
assessment is user-centric to meet the Ontario Digital affecting agricultural land and farming communities
Standard. This review will specifically consider the va- and instead follow the municipality’s own planning
riety and type of operators in the CVOR program and processes.”
how the Ministry may best manage that relationship.
OFA staff organized a meeting of the Policy Advisory
Following up on the OFA resolution, and to ensure Council to solicit feedback as to the kinds of infor-
there is progress on conducting a balanced review, mation that could be contained within the Resource
OFA has invited the Minister to discuss potential con- Guide that would be most useful to local federations
siderations. This is meant to ensure the ministry has to aid in their discussions with their local municipali-
the support of OFA in assessing the needs of Ontario ties regarding land use planning matters. At the June
farm-commercial vehicle operators and the safety of OFA board meeting, approval was obtained to move
operators and others on our roadways. forward with developing an updated Consolidated
Land Use Policy, an updated Ag Matters Toolkit, and
20-11-03 – OFA Letter to Elgin Federation Presi- to start work on creating the resource guide based on
dent input from the OFA board and Policy Advisory Council
Meetings.
20-11-03 -OFA Letter to MTO Minister CVOR Fol-
low up request In April 2021, OFA published a Viewpoint article on
the issue of Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) and
the threat to farmland in Ontario. President Peggy
Brekveld penned an article which outlined our con-
24 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General MeetingUPDATES ON 2020 AGM RESOLUTIONS
cerns with how this will impact the domestic food pro- officials and government policymakers. Several meet-
duction. The Viewpoint was titled, MZOs jeopardize ings were held over those two events which offered
long-term productivity and sustainability of Ontario’s the opportunity to speak with government officials at
farmland – https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/mzos-jeopar- both the municipal and provincial levels on the impor-
dize-long-term-productivity-and-sustainability-of-on- tance of protecting our natural resources. OFA repre-
tarios-farmland/. sentatives hosted virtual meetings with Minister Steve
In response to the increased pressure on farmland Clark and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
caused by urban development and Minister’s Zoning (MMAH) on multiple occasions voicing our concerns
Orders, OFA formulated a public awareness campaign regarding Minister’s Zoning Orders and the Planning
focused on the importance of farmland preservation Act. In addition, correspondence was to the Minister
and protecting domestic food production – Home and MMAH in response to changes and provisions to
Grown. The initial launch of Home Grown (https:// the Planning Act.
homegrown.ofa.on.ca/) was May 4, 2021, with the ex- OFA’s Policy Advisory Council (PAC) provided feed-
pectation that it would be a multi-year campaign. The back on the topics that could be contained within the
ultimate goal of the campaign is to bring awareness of Resource Guide that would be most useful to local
the rapid loss of Ontario farmland to urban audiences federations to aid in their discussions with their local
through targeted social media ads, microsite and an municipalities regarding land use planning matters. At
online petition. There also was an underlying politi- the June 2021 board meeting, approval was obtained
cal angle to our message that focused on the threat to move forward with developing an updated Consol-
posed to productive farmland by urban development. idated Land Use Policy, an updated Ag Matters Tool-
Urban development and the use of Minister’s Zoning kit, and to create the resource guide based on input
Orders have been frequently used to by-pass long- from the OFA Board and PAC meetings. OFA staff will
standing land use policies. present a draft policy to the OFA Board for their con-
Following the launch of the Home Grown campaign, sideration. The draft policy contains the natural heri-
we drafted and published a news release announcing tage recommendations, economic and environmental
the new campaign – https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/ benefits of preserving farmland, and a recommenda-
ofa-vows-to-protect-ontarios-farmland-with-new-ad- tions section at the bottom. Once the updated Con-
vocacy-campaign/. solidated Land Use Policy receives Board approval,
the resource guide will be developed consistent with
Additionally, President Peggy Brekveld hosted two the approved content of the Consolidated Land Use
roundtable meetings with local federation leaders Policy. OFA continues to provide advice and support
discussing a variety of topics including farmland to local federations navigating MZOs in their areas.
preservation. A shared point of concern during these Additional input will be sought to ensure a useful re-
conversations focused on how to contain urban source guide is developed. Once the resource guide
sprawl, Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs), resisting the is developed, it will be circulated to local federations
pressure to develop farmland and the re-zoning/clas- to use as a reference in navigating MZOs, zoning by-
sification of agricultural land – https://ofa.on.ca/news- laws and land use policies. OFA expects to release
room/ofa-hosts-local-federation-leaders-across-on- the guide in February 2022.
tario-for-an-open-roundtable-discussion/.
Significant digital and social media content was cre-
OFA brought these important messages to the Rural ated, including a video highlighting the importance
Ontario Municipal Association meeting in January of preserving farmland. The video was narrated by
2021, as well as at OFA’s virtual lobby day in May 2021. President Peggy Brekveld – https://youtu.be/nQwFn-
Key messages and speaking notes were developed nobjTw. In total, 17 posts were published across OFA’s
and shared with OFA board members and represen- social media platforms on the topic of farmland pres-
tatives prior to attending these meetings with elected ervation and MZOs. Additionally, the topic appeared
Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 25UPDATES ON 2020 AGM RESOLUTIONS
8 times in the OFA NewsWire (weekly newsletter) to 20-11-06
members. Renfrew
Local Abattoirs
20-11-04 – OFA Letter to Perth County President
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed-
eration of Agriculture pursue the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs to improve clari-
20-11-05 ty and simplicity in the provincial regulations made
Russell under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, and
Insurance Coverage for Straw create opportunities for local abattoirs, who are a very
important part of a local food supply chain, to be able
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed- to help Ontario’s best in class local food, meet the
eration of Agriculture lobby Agricorp to modify their demands of its customers while strengthening a very
existing Forage Plan to include straw from cereals important local food system.
using the same rainfall stations across Ontario, and
offer coverage to producers. Activity:
OFA President Peggy Brekveld has been participating
Activity:
in a Livestock Processing Capacity Working Group co-
OFA staff have had numerous communications with ordinated by OMAFRA. Several meetings have taken
Agricorp staff regarding this issue. On May 26th OFA place over the past year with industry stakeholders
GM, Cathy Lennon wrote to the CEO of Agricorp. As a including Meat & Poultry Ontario, livestock commodity
result of that letter, on June 25th Senior Policy Analyst representatives and the Minister of Agriculture. Con-
Ben Le Fort, met with Agricorp staff to begin discus- versation has included how to build on current live-
sions exploring the feasibility of this proposal. stock processing capacity, regulations that hold the
industry back, and ways to address challenges such
On May 26th OFA GM, Cathy Lennon wrote to the as labour shortages.
CEO of Agricorp. As a result of that letter, on June
25th Senior Policy Analyst Ben Le Fort, met with Ag- OFA President Peggy Brekveld and OFA Director Tra-
cy Arts met with the Associate Minister of Small Busi-
ricorp and OMAFRA staff. Agricorp reported that this
ness and Red Tape Reduction Nina Tangri on August
request has many design and implementation hurdles
23, 2021. OFA noted that the Food Safety and Quality
to overcome. This request has been identified as a Act, 2001 should be reviewed and also requested a
low priority for Agricorp at this time. OFA staff recom- review of the regulations to reduce the red tape for
mends no further follow up as the likelihood of suc- local abattoirs. OFA noted that depending on what
cess is very low. inspector is present the interpretation can sometimes
20-11-05 – OFA Letter to Agricorp not be clear. Regulations might be interpreted differ-
ently by different people. There is a need for better
20-11-05 – OFA Letter to Russell Federation Presi- clarity and simplicity.
dent
OFA noted how during Covid-19 measures, process-
20-11-05 – OFA Letter to Grain Farmers of Ontario ing capacity was shown to be inadequate. Provincially
inspected abattoirs are essential to the marketing
20-11-05 – Agricorp Response Letter chain of Ontario’s livestock and poultry production.
Improving the clarity and simplicity in the provincial
regulations made under the Food Safety and Quality
Act, 2001 would help to create opportunities for local
abattoirs. Associate Minister Tangri agreed to relay
26 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General MeetingUPDATES ON 2020 AGM RESOLUTIONS
our concerns to the Ministry staff. FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Feder-
ation of Agriculture develop and provide technical
OFA has also requested suggestions from Renfrew
support/resources for use by interested local federa-
County Federation of Agriculture (RCFA) on proposed
tions to help facilitate the implementation of slow-mov-
regulatory amendments that would help improve
ing vehicle safety programmes and the installation of
clarity and simplicity in the regulations made under the signs on local and provincial roads.
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 and is waiting on
their reply.
Activity:
20-11-06 – OFA Letter to Renfrew Federation Presi-
dent OFA Research Department has begun discussions
with Communications Dept, MSR Department, OGRA,
OPP, ROMA and local federations to develop an SMV
20-11-07 Campaign including 1. Billboards, 2. MTO approved
Frontenac caution signage, 3. Social media campaign, 4. Educa-
tion, public awareness, safety and correct farm vehicle
Commercial Vehicle Registration
SMV and lighting.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed-
OFA helped to spread the importance of road safety
eration of Agriculture lobby the appropriate Minister/ and increase awareness of appropriately using Slow
Ministry for the regulation to be amended and /or Moving Vehicle signs over the past 12 months through
interpreted that if you are hauling your own produce/ print ads, social media messages, Viewpoints, web
commodity that a CVOR Certificate not be required content and repurposing videos.
nor a drivers log or inspection report not be needed
as you are not being compensated for trucking and On social media, OFA published 19 messages about
hauling your own product and definitely not when road safety. These messages ranged from road safety
used or could be used as a passenger vehicle. reminders to our SMV video to retweets and com-
ments on resources from OPP, media outlets and the
Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.
Activity:
OFA produced 2 Viewpoints on road safety in 2021, in
OFA Board chose to not adopt this resolution. April and September. Direct links to those are avail-
able here: https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/ofa-encourag-
20-11-07 – OFA Letter to Frontenac Federation Pres-
es-farmers-to-make-this-years-planting-season-safe-
ident
and-productive/ and https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/
ofa-reminds-members-of-their-responsibility-for-a-
safe-harvest-on-the-roads/.
20-11-08
East Nipissing Parry Sound/West Nipissing/Sud- A road/farm safety message was shared and broad-
bury East & Algoma cast on the Grain Farmers of Ontario podcast – Grain-
Slow Moving Vehicle Signage TALK. It ran on the October 15 podcast – the 1-minute
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Fed- message was shared twice throughout the podcast.
eration of Agriculture work with the Ministry of Trans- Print ads were produced and published in the May is-
portation, municipal governments and other relevant sue and November issue of Better Farming magazine.
stakeholders to improve the viability of installing slow
moving vehicles travel this roadway signage on local OFA responded to several media requests about the
and provincial roads, importance of making road sure everyone takes re-
Join the conversation #OFAgm21 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 27UPDATES ON 2020 AGM RESOLUTIONS
sponsibility for road safety. Some of the media outlets tion and local federations about a province-wide SMV
OFA representatives spoke to include Farms.com, Campaign.
Globe and Mail, London Free Press etc. OFA staff continue to engage OFA and county fed-
Further, OFA contributed $30,505, matched by a eration members, other stakeholders including Beef
further $30,505 from the County Federations through Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Provincial Police, Good
our Revive Fund in initiatives targeting Road Safety Roads, Rural Ontario Municipalities Association and
including the following examples: Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and Ministries
of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs and Transporta-
tion regarding next steps in an ongoing action plan
County/Region Topic
to be presented at the Feb, 2022 board meeting.
Algoma Wagon turning signs for farm laneways This includes the awareness campaign, education,
and support for farmers to ensure the proper use and
Glengarry Road safety radio campaign
installation of caution markers.
Hastings Road safety signs
20-11-08 – OFA Letter to County Federation Presi-
Huron SMV swap program w local dents
grain dryers
Leeds & Updating roadsigns - SMV, buggies
Grenville 20-11-09
Prince Edward Pass when safe’ signs for Ottawa
wagons/buggies Wild/Feral Pigs
West Nipissing Road safety billboards THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario Feder-
ation of Agriculture (OFA) lobby the Minister of Agricul-
Starting in fall of 2020, with the support of Ontario ture, Food & Rural Affairs and the Ontario Government
livestock groups, OFA also undertook a letter-writing to implement programs to eradicate wild pigs and get
effort connecting local Federations to their police Ontario to be a wild pig free province; and
counterparts. While some Federations already had
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the OFA encourage
contact with local police, this created an introduc-
its members to report any sightings to the Ontario
tion to those that had not. The letters offered insight
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
into the type of farms and related activities active in
the area. Key points raised included: Bill 156, rural
crime, and road safety. Activity:
And new outreach tools were created such as this Wild pig populations, if they become established,
video with a farmer and OFA’s Member Service Repre- pose significant risks to the viability of agriculture, ani-
sentaive, Leah Emms mal and human health, and the natural environment.
https://twitter.com/OntarioFarms/sta- The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) believes
tus/1400101178084634627?s=19 that the negative impacts on agriculture, native wild-
life, ecosystems, and biodiversity warrant the develop-
Approximately 20 Federations and Policing units have ment and implementation of policies and programs to
connected in various ways since this campaign began. curtail the population growth and spread of wild pigs
across Ontario. In response to the resolution, OFA
OFA has begun discussions with Ontario Good Roads has worked with government and key stakeholders to
Association, OPP, Rural Ontario Municipalities Associa- curtail the populations growth and spread of wild pigs
28 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE 2021 Annual General MeetingYou can also read
