FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER / 19


OFA Viewpoint - Strong farms, strong communities: why agriculture engages with municipalities


culture (OFA), as well as a live- stock and grain farmer near Strat- ford, Ontario. This will be my fourth year attending ROMA on behalf of Ontario’s farmers, car- rying the message that agricul- ture matters and that we share common interests, values and goals with our municipalities. A key priority for our


By Sara Wood, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture This week, representatives


from Ontario’s rural municipali- ties are gathering in Toronto for the annual Rural Ontario Munic- ipal Association (ROMA) confer- ence. And as we have for the last few years, Ontario farmers will be right there with them. Some might wonder why


farmers care about municipal is- sues – and the answer is simple: when agriculture is strong, so are rural communities. That’s because in Ontario,


the agri-food sector is one of the biggest pillars of the provincial economy. We contribute $51.4 billion in economic activity and support jobs for 867,000 Ontari- ans. That’s about 10% of our provincial workforce. On top of that, our sector generates about $28 billion in agri-food exports for Ontario every year. Those are significant num-


bers, making agriculture and agri-food as important for invest- ment, policy support and infra- structure as, for example, the automotive industry. And that’s what we’re at


ROMA to talk about. I’m a Vice President with


the Ontario Federation of Agri-


members – and we know it is for rural municipalities too – is rural infrastructure. This means roads and


bridges, high speed internet and proper cellular coverage, as well as affordable and reliable energy. But it’s also about education, health care and social supports, like schools, hospitals, long-term care and affordable housing for our rural areas. We need services, invest-


ment and infrastructure to attract and keep people in rural commu- nities and give strength to jobs and businesses in those areas. The Ontario Municipal


Partnership Fund (OMPF), which funds rural infrastructure, has de- clined from $656 million in 2005 to $550 million in 2025. Adjusted for inflation, 2025 funding would need to increase to nearly $1 bil- lion to match 2005 levels. The provincial government commit- ted to increase its funding of OMPF to $600 million in 2026 in last fall’s Economic Statement and that’s a positive step — but it’s not enough to meet critical rural infrastructure needs. Just as important for farm-


ers, though, is for municipalities to know how important agricul- ture and agri-food is in their com-


Expanding agritourism and local food will diversify local economies by bringing new jobs, generating additional revenue and attracting visitors. This ultimately supports


community health and well-being with the added benefit of helping Ontarians get a better under- standing of our food system and where and how to buy local. Now that’s a win-win. OFA is committed to work-


munities and how they can sup- port our sector. An example of that is through bylaws and regu- lations that encourage business growth and don’t unnecessarily add costs or hinder competitive- ness. That’s another big reason why the OFA makes sure to be part of the ROMA conference every year A growing agri-food sector


needs stable and reliable long- term land use planning that pro- tects farmland, supports smart urban growth (including housing) that respects agricultural and rural land, and attracts and keeps businesses from all parts of the agri-food value chain. Agricultural Impact As-


sessments conducted by qualified professionals are a tool for mu- nicipalities to support land use planning, and we encourage mu- nicipalities to draw on the agri- food expertise in their own communities to establish Agri-


Kickstart Your Horse Journey in 2026 Free Safety & Behaviour Course for Youth!


|Guelph, ON Jan. 14, 2026 - Ready to level up your horse knowledge in the new year? Equine Guelph, the horse owner’s centre at the University of Guelph, is thrilled to offer FREE access to its On- Demand Horse Behaviour and Safety course for youth from January 1 – March 31, 2026! This is your chance to join young horse enthusiasts world- wide and gain the skills that make you safer, smarter, and more confident around horses.


Why take this course?


Because horses don’t come with an instruction manual—but this is the next best thing! • Learn how horses think, see, and react so you can predict their behaviour. • Discover why understanding herd dynamics and body language is key to safety. • Explore real-life scenarios like fire safety in barns and helmet safety for riders.


10–15 hours and is packed with interactive activi- ties, videos, and fun facts that will change the way you see horses forever.


a bond. When you understand how horses perceive the world, you can create trust and harmony in every interaction. Whether you dream of riding, training, or simply spending time at the barn, this course gives you the foundation to do it safely and confidently. “I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot.


from Equine Guelph—a great addition to your horse resume!


What makes this course different? It’s not just about safety—it’s about building


This self-paced online program takes about


cultural Advisory Committees that can advise councillors and staff on the needs and perspec- tives of the sector. And finally, OFA urges


municipalities not to forget agri- culture when it comes to eco- nomic development. This is about attracting and keep- ing farms and related businesses – from vet clinics and feed mills


to farm equipment dealerships, farm supply stores and more – but also about maximizing grow- ing opportunities presented by agritourism and local food. The public’s interest in


local production, local experi- ences and supporting home- grown businesses has never been stronger, particularly when it comes to anything food related.


Visit www.therider.com


ing collaboratively with munici- pal leaders to build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient rural On- tario. Together, we can ensure that agriculture remains a pillar of economic prosperity and that rural communities continue to grow, contribute, and flourish. The OFA has created many


resources to assist municipalities, regions, and community organi- zations in supporting the agricul- tural sector. Visit ofa.on.ca for more in-


formation.


and join the global community of youth who are passionate about horses. Register today at The- HorsePortal.ca. Equine Guelph thanks its generous safety


Spots are open now! Tell your barn friends


supporters. This free youth initiative has been made possible by ESSO, Kubota Canada, Ontario Eques- trian, and System Equine.


The course was really fun, and I wish it was longer.” – Lillian, Student Upon completion, you’ll earn a Certificate


givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government - for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.


Story by: Equine Guelph


About Equine Guelph: Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care


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