OFA reflects on a year to remember

By Tracey Arts Director, OFA

2020 has been a whirlwind year for Ontario agriculture. As farm business owners, we had to be flexible and proactive as we adjusted to a new reality. The pandemic first hit our province in March of last year and has continued to keep our sector on its toes with changing regulations, public health restrictions, and loss of traditional market streams for our products. Together with many partners, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has accomplished a tremendous amount of good for the sector, laying a strong foundation for a post-pandemic road to recovery.

Starting my new role as Director of Zone 4 during a pandemic was definitely an adjustment to what I initially thought the role would be.  As I began my term, the province was in the process of determining how to handle the news of the pandemic. The pandemic caused a fundamental shift in our organization, but in true farmer fashion, we adapt and make the best with what we have.