ONTARIO – Recently, the leading advocate and strongest voice for farmers in our province, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), held its annual general meeting. For me, it was a tremendous honour to be selected for a third term as OFA’s president.
The event brought together delegates, directors, commodity partners, staff and industry leaders from across the province. It was a chance to look back on the year that was, but just as importantly, to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities in front of us.
It was about this time last year, also during our annual convention, that the U.S.’ then-President-elect Donald Trump first floated the idea of a broad tariff on Canadian exports to the United States.
Many of us could hardly believe something so sweeping could ever come to pass. Yet here we are, 12 months later, and the global landscape around us has shifted dramatically.
South of the border, the political climate remains volatile and here at home, we’ve had significant upheaval of our own. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament and stepped down as Liberal leader, paving the way for Mark Carney’s leadership and a subsequent federal election that resulted in a minority Parliament.
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford surprised many by calling a snap provincial election.
These developments have shaped policy priorities, altered political dynamics, and created uncertainty for businesses, families and farm operations across the province.
Politics has always influenced the lives of OFA members, but as our keynote speaker Althia Raj reminded us, understanding the political landscape is easier said than done.
A long-time political journalist, member of the Parliamentary press gallery and CBC At Issue panellist, Raj brought a clear, thoughtful breakdown of how we arrived at this moment, from the 2024 U.S. election to the rise of Mark Carney, to what we can expect from Canada’s new Prime Minister going forward.
She also reflected on the broader erosion of trust in Canada’s media landscape.
Today, opinions spread faster than facts, polarizing statements are rewarded by online algorithms, and in-depth journalism is increasingly difficult to sustain.
For organizations like ours that rely on evidence, data and practical experience to advocate effectively on behalf of our members, this only underscores how important it is to stay grounded in facts, to communicate clearly and to build broad, credible partnerships.
The theme of this year’s AGM, Strength in Unity, couldn’t have been more fitting. Over the past year, we’ve seen remarkable examples of what happens when people work together.
Whether it’s the Council of the Federation aligning around shared priorities, first ministers taking a “Canada first” approach, or agriculture ministers collaborating on trade and tariff impacts, progress has come when governments are rowing in the same direction.
We’ve seen it in efforts to strengthen interprovincial trade, in buy-local and buy-Canadian initiatives, and even in moments of national excitement, like the Toronto Blue Jays’ magical run to the World Series.
More often than not, it really does take a full team to get the job done.
At OFA, our work is no different.
Everything we accomplish is because of collaboration – across the agri-food sector, across organizations, and across the province.
Over the past year we’ve welcomed new member organizations, strengthened ties with long-standing commodity partners, and deepened relationships with industry, municipal leaders, and government decision-makers.
Our local federations and grassroots members continue to shape our priorities, inform our advocacy, and ground our work in the real on-farm issues facing Ontario agriculture.
I am incredibly grateful for the support of our board of directors and for the dedication of a strong, committed team at OFA who work every day to support Ontario’s 38,000 farm families.
Their professionalism and passion are at the heart of everything we do.
As I begin this third term, I appreciate the confidence and support I’ve received from our members right across Ontario. Our sector is navigating complex times, at home and internationally.
But I firmly believe that Ontario agriculture is stronger when we stand together, speak with a united voice, and focus on what matters: ensuring a strong, sustainable and competitive future for our farms and our rural communities.
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Drew Spoelstra is the Ontario Federation of Agriculture president.