By Sam McDonell, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Agriculture is one of Ontario’s leading industries, driving local economies, supporting jobs, and sustaining entire communities. Yet too often, the size and scope of agriculture isn’t fully understood by most people working outside of that sector.
For many, farming still looks like it did a generation or two ago — a handful of crops and a few barns — when in reality it’s a complex, modern, highly integrated industry that touches everything from food production to manufacturing, transportation and exports all across the province.
That disconnect can lead to important policy decisions being made locally, provincially or even federally without fully considering their impact on farms and farm businesses.
My family and I farm in Glengarry between Cornwall and the Quebec border where we grow corn, wheat and soybeans. Our farm has deep roots in the community, with our family farming in the same area for generations and the farm itself established in 1941.
Before joining the family farm business full-time, I had jobs in agriculture off the farm, and that combination of practical farming and industry experience has given me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities farmers face.
Like many in my family before me, I also serve as a municipal councillor. I was first elected in 2018 and am planning to run for re-election for a third term this fall. What I’ve seen firsthand is a growing gap between municipal decision-makers and the agricultural sector — and that gap matters.
In our area, we’ve seen examples where policies were introduced with little or no consultation with farmers. Whether it’s land use decisions, infrastructure planning, or even something as specific as roadside tree planting policies, the common thread is a lack of communication. These situations don’t arise from bad intentions; they stem from not having the right voices at the table or not fully understanding how decisions affect agriculture.
That municipal experience has shaped how I see the role of agriculture in our communities and it has also influenced my decision to become a more active voice for the sector.
I’ve just been elected as a provincial director to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture board, where I represent farmers from Stormont, Glengarry, Prescott and Russell.
I first became involved with our local federation of agriculture a few years ago and what started as a casual connection quickly turned into a deeper commitment. Over time, I served as vice-president of the Glengarry Federation of Agriculture and as a delegate to the OFA annual meeting. So when the opportunity came up to step into the provincial director role, I was encouraged by others to put my name forward, particularly given my experience in municipal government.
For a long time, many of us may have taken for granted that agriculture’s perspective was understood and reflected in local decision-making. That’s no longer the case. As councils change and fewer members have direct ties to farming, the responsibility shifts back to us to ensure our voice is heard.
That’s why I believe it’s critical for farmers to be involved — not just through organizations like OFA, but directly in municipal government and in ongoing relationships with councillors and staff.
It can also mean attending meetings, participating in consultations, building relationships, and taking the time to explain what agriculture really looks like today. Those conversations matter because they help ensure that when decisions are made, they’re informed by real-world understanding.
The same applies at the provincial and federal levels. Agriculture policy, infrastructure investment, land use planning and economic development are all shaped by government decisions. If agriculture isn’t part of those conversations early, it risks becoming an afterthought.
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