Ontario Agriculture Week Marks 15 Years

Oct 07, 2013

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

The week prior to Thanksgiving Day every year is proclaimed as Ontario Agriculture Week. It serves as a period of time to pay tribute to the bounties of food and farming in the province.

It was established in 1998, 15 years ago, through a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Ontario PC MPP Bert Johnson. Since that time, it has become a tradition to recognize Ontario farmers and the food that they produce.

While the commemorative week has been widely embraced by Ontarians, there has been a proposal to change the week to ‘Local Food Week.’ The idea was dreamed up by the current government, the Ontario Liberals as a way to tie-in their local food agenda.

Several MPPs have been vocal about their disapproval of such a proposal moving forward. Perhaps the biggest advocates for keeping the status quo are the Ontario PC’s, not surprising since one of their own brought forth the idea 15 years ago.

Farms.com will be speaking to Ontario PC Agriculture Critic MPP Ernie Hardeman this week to find out about the ways in which his party is looking to preserve Ontario Agriculture Week. In the meantime, don’t forget to celebrate by thanking a farmer or satisfying your taste buds with some Ontario food!

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.