By Rejean Pommainville, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Once a year Canada’s largest general farm organization gathers member and industry representatives to vote on leadership, discuss issues affecting our agricultural industry, participate in progressive workshops and hear from government leaders.
This year’s theme, How to Talk Farming and Influence People, represents OFA’s ongoing advocacy work bringing issues to government and influencing policy decisions on behalf of OFA’s more than 37,000 farm business members. Keeping with the event theme, OFA has confirmed presentations from Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal, NDP leader Andrea Horwath and PC leader Patrick Brown.
OFA will mark 80 years of farm advocacy in 2016. And this year’s AGM will kick off the beginning of a yearlong 80th anniversary celebration. Celebration activities to mark this milestone will be announced at the event.
The 2015 AGM lineup highlights also include speakers from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Scotiabank and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. Back by popular demand this year are workshops on social media, talking about agriculture, talking to government, agricultural leadership and farm security. AGM delegates will also vote for OFA leadership for the coming year.
The Ontario Young Farmers Forum will again be held in conjunction with the OFA AGM, giving young farm leaders an opportunity to network with OFA members and industry representatives.
For those who are unable to attend the AGM, you can watch online at www.ofa.on.ca during the event. For a full agenda and event details, visit the OFA website.
Source: OFA