APRIL 2020 THE RIDER /61 OFA takes the pulse of Ontario ag as COVID-19 continues


By Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federa- tion of Agriculture


We’re all living in a


new reality as the changes and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to play out. Last week, the Ontario Federa- tion of Agriculture (OFA) checked in with our mem- bers to find out how they ex- pect this pandemic will impact their farm busi- nesses. Already, 74% of members surveyed online indicated they are anticipat- ing change in their opera- tions due to COVID-19. Farmers are known for


their resilience and perse- verance. But even before COVID-19 hit, farmers were coping with a tough year, with multiple rail dis- ruptions, a shortage of meat processing capacity and un-


certain global trade and market access. OFA members are


now bracing themselves for continued uncertainty – 78% expect lost revenue as a result of value chain dis- ruptions, 73% are anxious about their inability to con- duct business as usual and 69% expect reduced cash flow. “It is difficult to invest in your business today to en- sure you have a good har- vest in the fall when you are lacking cash flow/sales now, and potentially weakened demand in the fall,” stated a survey participant. When asked about


their top concerns on how COVID-19 will impact their farm businesses, financial impact, decrease in con- sumer spending and a poten- tial global recession were the top three. At 53%, cash flow was listed as the most


immediate financial need to maintain farm business op- erations, followed by 37% who expect they will need a temporary pause or resched- uling of loan repayments and 25% who will be seek- ing information on crisis budget planning. Labour issues have al-


ready impacted some On- tario farmers with disruptions to the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Pro- gram. OFA’s survey re- vealed that 52% of respondents that use the pro- gram said that potential de- lays or cancellations to the program would negatively impact their operations. One member wrote, “If we do not have access to the Sea- sonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), our farm will have a very difficult time surviving this emer- gency. The whole Canadian


agricultural industry, espe- cially horticulture, will have extreme difficulty.” Business interruptions


are already being felt on On- tario farms, as many mem- bers who responded to the survey noted inputs and on- farm services, like feed and agronomy consultations are being disrupted. One farmer commented, “We are con- cerned when field work be- gins, will we be able to access seed, fertilizer, fuel and equipment dealerships in case of machinery re- pairs?” Farmers are also expe-


riencing problems getting their products to market, with one third of survey par- ticipants reporting an inter- ruption in delivering finished products. More than half expect these dis- ruptions to continue, with many farmers unsure about


Applications Open: 2020 Equestrian Canada Driving Committee


Ottawa, ON, March 25, 2020 – Applications are now being accepted for in- dividuals interested in vol- unteering on the Equestrian Canada (EC) Driving Com- mittee starting in April 2020. The term period available is:


one (1) position for a two (2) year term ending in 2022. The Driving Committee is an operational committee of EC responsible for provid- ing strategic guidance and counsel to EC management to support the development of driving in Canada. The Committee works in collab- oration with other EC com- mittees, task forces and national office staff to pro- vide assistance in the imple- mentation of the appropriate mandates.


ties of the Committee in- clude:


Specific responsibili-


• Advising management on the annual operational prior- ities, strategies and perform- ance targets for the ongoing development of driving in Canada. • Reviewing and reporting on the achievement of the Committee’s annual opera- tional priorities and per- formance targets, and identifying key areas for im- provement. • Providing input and feed- back to management con- cerning policies, programs, rules, regulations and serv- ices related to the develop- ment of driving. • Supporting management in dealing with appeals related to driving. • Interfacing as a unit with the equestrian community in partnership with manage- ment on key developments, issues, challenges and achievements within driv- ing. • Providing strategic coun- sel on matters concerning


high performance programs and services. • Liaising with Provincial /Ter r i tor ial Equestrian Sport Organisa- tions (PTSOs) in order to further of references as re- quired. Committee members


the CEO in consultation with Committee Members.


How to Apply Individuals are invited


will be appointed by the EC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) upon recommenda- tion of the Committee. Each member is eligible to serve up to two (2) terms. In ap- pointing the members of the Committee, consideration is given to diversity, including without limitation, na- tional/international experi- ence and competency in the sport discipline, as well as gender, regional, technical and linguistic balance. Members of the Com-


mittee must be registered participants in good stand- ing with EC and hold a valid Sport Licence. A Chair of the Com-


mittee will be appointed by


the COVID-19 best practices for equine farms and eques- trian facilities recommended by Equestrian Canada (EC). A communication will be sent upon the resumption of Se- ries.


Ottawa, ON, March 25, 2020 – The 2020 Para-Dressage Video Competition Series, presented by Ride Every Stride, has been postponed until further notice due to the coron- avirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Series has been postponed in keeping with


Para-Dressage Video Competition Series Postponed EC is making every effort to ensure continuous, thor-


to submit their resume, along with an expression of interest highlighting their unique qualifications to serve on the Committee to:


Anna Johnson Manager, High Performance ajohnson@equestrian.ca


name and EC Sport Licence number must be included in the application. The deadline for appli-


cations is Monday, April 6, 2020


tion, including a detailed list of the core competency con- siderations, please contact Anna


ajohnson@equestrian.ca. Johnson For further informa- The applicant’s full


what the future holds. These challenges are


compounded with poor quality internet and telecommunications in rural Ontario. More than three- quarters of farmers respond- ing said they cannot operate business as usual during COVID-19 due to poor rural internet and telecommunica- tions quality. Survey respon- dents also noted the high cost of rural internet, includ- ing overage charges or lack of internet providers, that re- stricts their ability to work and conduct business. You, our members are


speaking up, through this survey and the many calls, emails and text that we have received. OFA is listening, and our work on your behalf continues, even in this cri- sis.


Since this survey came out, OFA has worked hard


to ensure that the entire food value chain was included in the list of businesses essen- tial to Ontario. There have been steps forward in our ongoing efforts to bring SAWP workers to our farms in a safe and appropriate way. Resources, including contact links to government programs and even mental health assistance, are on our website. Even in this time of social distancing, you are not alone. Thanks to the more


than 350 survey participants who shared their concerns and farm business situa- tions. We will continue to evaluate the responses and share them with industry and government, as deci- sions impacting our farm businesses are made throughout this pandemic situation. OFA will use this survey as a benchmark with


a plan to launch a second survey in coming weeks. We welcome all members to provide their input and feed- back on the next COVID-19 survey.


The Canadian Federa-


tion of Agriculture is also conducting weekly surveys for farmers across the coun- try to identify issues and im- pacts on farm businesses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. OFA is actively listen-


ing to our member concerns to gain a better understand- ing of the issues being dealt with on-farm. OFA is advo- cating for the agri-food sec- tor to mitigate the negative affects this pandemic is hav- ing on Ontario farm families and their businesses.


Trucking and transportation system vital to food value chain


OFA Commentary: April 3, 2020


By Mark Reusser, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Our distribution network is one of the keys to keeping our agri-food system func-


tioning in normal and extraordinary times and we rely heavily on the trucking and trans- portation industry to make that happen. The trucking and transportation system is entrenched in the strength, safety and viability of our entire food value chain. The federal government has acknowledged the important role trucking and trans-


portation plays in maintaining our food system by deeming commercial truck drivers as essential workers through the COVID-19 pandemic. As farmers, and the foundation of our farm-to-fork value chain, we rely on truck drivers for a wide range of goods and services, from farm inputs, equipment and commodities vital to crop production through to the delivery of livestock and poultry and ultimately the distribution of essential food products. The trucking industry plays an integral role in our entire food supply chain and we


need to keep the food production system operating during this pandemic. It is estimated that more than 90% of all consumer products and foodstuffs are shipped by truck and there are approximately 200,000 trucks travelling Ontario roadways on any given day. That’s why the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has been advocating with the federal government to keep our trucking and transportation employees safe and healthy, and the system moving to ensure Canadians have continued access to fresh, healthy and safe food products during these difficult times. We’ve also been sharing that message with our counterparts at the provincial level. OFA has been engaged in conversations at the federal and provincial levels of gov-


ernment on several issues that have been identified within the trucking industry, includ- ing lack of rest areas, bathroom facilities, food services and insurance coverage related to travel in the U.S. OFA has received confirmation that OHIP and insurance will con- tinue to cover travel in the U.S. for the transportation sector – a critical member of our supply chain. Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario government has already committed to keeping the province’s ONroute Service Centres open to offer truck drivers access to necessary facilities, rest stops, food and fuel. Together, OFA, Food and Beverage Ontario and the Ontario Agri-Business Asso-


ough and up-to-date communication concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. EC’s complete statement on COVID-19, including regular updates, can be found on our website - www.equestrian.ca/news. For the running list of cancelled/postponed clinics and events, also visit the EC website.


Equestrian Canada News Release Visit www.therider.com


ciation recently sent a letter to Minister Hardeman requesting an exemption from On- tario’s reduced load period weight restrictions on all Ontario highways and roads in response to COVID-19. We’re asking for this temporary exemption to streamline the movement of the agri-food value chain, including food products, critical farm inputs and essential goods necessary for processing and producing food. Quebec has already implemented a similar temporary exemption. Not only do Ontarians rely on keeping our trucks on the road, but farmers and


businesses too. Approximately two-thirds of Canada-U.S. trade by value is transported by trucks, including three-quarters of Ontario’s export trade to the U.S. Thank you to everyone working long hours to maintain all of our businesses along


the food value chain, and ensuring all Ontarians have access to safe and reliable food through these times of unprecedented demand and uncertainty. And remember – if you got it, a truck brought it.


Visit: www.theridermarketplace.com


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