FFCO conference highlights national funding and agricultural leadership
Tonya Haverkamp, an egg and pullet farmer from the Listowel area of Ontario, has been named the 2026 Food and Farming Champion at Farm and Food Care Ontario’s annual conference. The award recognizes individuals who actively build trust between farmers and the public.
Since its launch in 1999, the Food and Farming Champion award has celebrated people who open their farms and share their stories with non-farming audiences. Haverkamp was selected for her long-standing commitment to honest and clear communication about modern agriculture.
Her work includes educational visits to classrooms, participation in community events, and involvement in international development initiatives. These efforts have helped people of all ages better understand how food is produced and why farming practices matter.
"Tonya Haverkamp embodies the values of a true public trust champion," said Donna Lange, who nominated Haverkamp on behalf of Egg Farmers of Ontario. "She connects with audiences of all ages in a warm, conversational way that makes the dedication behind high-quality egg production evident to all.
Haverkamp has also volunteered at major agricultural events such as the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the Canadian National Exhibition, and the International Plowing Match. She has supported local outreach programs including Breakfasts on the Farm and has mentored young farmers to become confident agricultural ambassadors.
“Canadian agriculture is built on the passion and innovation of our farmers and food leaders,” said the Honorable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By supporting initiatives that bring their stories directly to Canadians, we’re connecting consumers and producers and fostering a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.”
The conference also featured a major funding announcement. Through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, more than $518000 will support Farm and Food Care organizations in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island from 2026 to 2028.
The funding will strengthen four national initiatives, including the Agri‑Communicators’ Network, Faces Behind Food social media outreach, a new edition of The Real Dirt on Farming, and additional FarmFood360 virtual reality farm tours.
“Guelph is proud to be home to leading agricultural organizations like Farm & Food Care Ontario,” said Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph. “By helping farmers and food system partners share their stories from coast to coast, this funding empowers Canadians to make informed choices and celebrates the diversity of our agri-food community.”
Farm and Food Care leaders said the funding will help expand agricultural education beyond provincial borders. Conference sessions also included keynote speakers, farmer panels, and discussions on storytelling and public engagement.
Together, the leadership recognition and national investment highlight ongoing efforts to connect Canadians with the people and stories behind their food.
Photo Credit: Farm-&-Food-Care-Ontario-Tonya Haverkamp