Year In Review: A look back at this year in agriculture, with Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Jan 05, 2024

As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the challenges and opportunities of the coming year, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, took a moment to look back on the past year and share insights into the province’s agricultural achievements and future goals.

Minister Thompson emphasized the crucial role of farmers in shaping the provincial strategy, looking to invest in Ontario’s food security in the coming years and beyond.

This partnership with the federal government will see $1.77 billion put into Ontario’s AgriFood industry – which contributes $47 billion to Ontario’s GDP.

A significant portion of this investment, $9 million, went towards enhancing soil health. Minister Thompson underscored the importance of understanding and improving soil health for sustainable agriculture.

The minister also discussed the AgriFood Technology Fund, a $25 million initiative aimed at supporting farmers and processors in adopting new technologies for increased efficiency and biosecurity. This fund reflects the commitment to innovation, a key aspect of the overarching Grow Ontario strategy.

Sustainability played a pivotal role in their efforts, with a focus on the Resilient Agricultural Landscape program—a $50 million investment.

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Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."