Farms.com Home   News

Guest column: Why this election matters for farmers, rural communities

Ontarians are in the midst of their second election campaign of 2025, and like all elections, it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of agriculture to our communities, our economy and our country.

In Ontario alone, the agri-food sector contributes over $50 billion to the economy every year — to put that into every day terms, that’s enough to buy 10 billion cups of Tim Hortons coffee.

The sector also employs 11 per cent of Ontario’s workforce by supporting 871,000 jobs and generates $26.2 billion in exports every year.

That’s why food and farming matter — and why, as farmers, we work hard to get that message across to politicians of all parties, both federally and provincially.

I farm with my family near Binbrook in the City of Hamilton growing crops, raising horses and producing high-quality milk and beef.

It’s already been a busy year with the ongoing turmoil of tariffs and cross-border issues with the U.S., but that’s exactly why it’s important to be engaged in this campaign.

This is a pivotal time for Canada and for agriculture, and that’s why the OFA is urging federal election candidates to take clear and decisive stances on critical issues affecting farm businesses, economic competitiveness and food security.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Working With Net Fencing - Leeds County Pasture Walk Part 5

Video: Working With Net Fencing - Leeds County Pasture Walk Part 5

Presented by Brad & Karen Davis, owners of Black Kreek Ranch, Anita O'Brien, Grazing Mentor, and Christine O'Reilly, Forage & Grazing Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Watch each video from this event to learn about grazing tips, water systems, setting up fencing, working with net fencing, electric fencing tips, grass growth and managing grazing, gates and laneways, and frost seeding. The Leeds County Pasture Walk in 2023 was delivered as part of the Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program's Advanced Grazing Systems.