Supporting Local Farms through a Pandemic

The current COVID19 crisis is affecting all of us in different ways. With increasing measures from government to contain the crisis and stem the spread, individuals, families and businesses are all being impacted in different ways.

 

At CFFO, we have received correspondence from farmer members who are facing new challenges from the crisis. Farms geared to the local market are finding that customers such as restaurants no longer need as many supplies. Greenhouses are already experiencing canceled orders, and with the upcoming Easter and May planting season still uncertain, there is a lot of concern about the future. We encourage any farm businesses experiencing or anticipating difficulties to investigate what government and other supports may be applicable to help in this current situation.

 

In the face of this crisis we are even more grateful than ever to have such a strong provincial and Canadian food system. At the same time, we realize how much our food system is connected to and reliant on the broader global food system.

 

Recently, as the federal government announced travel restrictions, the fate of temporary workers coming into Canada was a serious concern. According to the CBC, Ontario employs around one third of all migrant workers coming to Canada for farm work. The crops of fruit and vegetables in particular, growing right here in our province, are dependent on labour coming from overseas to make sure trees and vines are pruned, vegetables are planted, and ongoing work through the growing season and harvest are completed.

 

Agricultural organizations, including the CFFO, responded swiftly with requests to government to keep borders open to temporary workers. We were heard.

 

Much to the relief of many in the industry, the government was able to make arrangements to ensure farm workers will still be able to come to Canada through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) and Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP).

 

It is more important now than ever to remember our neighbours in this stressful time. This means making an effort to still do business with small local businesses, including local farms. With farmers markets closed, many are still finding ways to serve customers directly.

 

It means calling neighbours and friends on the phone to check in, chat, and connect. Mental health risks from financial stress and isolation are real. We need to support one another.

 

Times like this bring us together. Even if we have to maintain our physical space, we can still connect and support our neighbours in so many ways.

 

 

Source: CFFO