Guelph, ON – Thirty-six community-based projects are receiving just over $100,000 in support from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)’s Revive Fund in 2026. Additional contributions from county and regional federations of agriculture and other partners will boost that investment to approximately $242,000 for projects to be completed this year.
This year, 32 county federations are participating in 36 projects across the province. Training days in everything from first aid and road safety to farm business transition, diversification, mental health and cyber security are among the approved projects, as are outreach events to strengthen relationships between farmers and local politicians.
And with the program already fully subscribed for the year, the OFA board has voted to add another $50,000 in available funding to support additional community projects.
“We are extremely proud to support projects that meet the needs of local communities and that matter to our members across Ontario,” says OFA Executive Member Paul Maurice. “The passion and commitment our local federations have for community betterment is inspiring and we value the work that they’re doing for and on behalf of agriculture to strengthen our sector.”
First launched in 2021, OFA’s Revive Fund provides matching funding to help its 51 county and regional federations plan, develop and carryout projects that support agriculture and their local communities. Since the program’s inception, all partners have made a combined total investment into community projects of just under $1.5 million.
Over the years, the Revive Fund has supported projects like training first responders in agricultural emergencies, helping food banks, developing farm and road safety signage, and educational initiatives to help people learn about food and farming. Details, results and photos of Revive Fund projects are available on the OFA website.
The Revive Fund was established by the OFA when many farming and rural communities were struggling under the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. OFA’s county and regional federations are eligible to apply for funding to support local projects focused on a variety of topics, including farmer mental wellness, farm health and safety, leadership development or member engagement.
Source : OFA