As this calendar year draws to a close, many people and organizations will take time to review and reflect on the accomplishments and activities of 2011. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), we look back at this year as a successful one where we have continued to progress towards our mission of sustainable farming in Ontario. The holiday season is a great time to celebrate our successes, and look forward to 2012 as we continue our work to advocate and support Ontario's prosperous agriculture and agri-food industry.

Over the past year we have made major strides in some of the key issues facing farmers today – issues that lie at the top of the priority list of our farm business members – including modernization of our regulatory system, risk management programming, wildlife damage compensation, farm property tax improvements, source water planning and planning for our future food supply through the National Food Strategy. Our changed political landscape in Ontario provides a new opportunity for continuous progress on these files.

Our provincial government’s priorities are economy and jobs – farming and food processing can and will contribute to both. Agriculture and the agri-food industry are already significant drivers to Ontario’s economy, and more growth is on the horizon.

The Ontario government clearly wishes to preserve and enhance our environment, provide habitat, develop renewable energy and sustain our landscape. Farming addresses these objectives more than any other industry. And the OFA will continue to ensure, through the Open for Business initiative, that our farm businesses do not fall victim to regulations that penalize farming practices in the name of conservation and preservation. OFA welcomes Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Ted McMeekin as co-chair of our Open for Business Working Group, along with OFA president, Mark Wales. This group will meet at least bi-annually to review new and existing regulations affecting the farm sector.

We are pleased with the successes and benefits OFA has delivered to our members over the past year. And in the coming year, OFA will continue working on behalf of our members to focus on policies needed for successful farming businesses, including predictable risk management programs, a facilitative regulatory framework and access to infrastructure.

As 2011 winds down, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture sends warm wishes to all our members for a safe holiday season, and looks forward to the prospects of the coming year. Together we can work towards a greater understanding of farming issues across Ontario and ensure continued prosperity for our sustainable farming community.