who we are

Ontario Farmers

We are a diverse and dedicated group – and nothing like the farmer stereotype portrayed in movies and children’s stories! We are educated, business-minded individuals who stay updated on technology trends in order to do the best job we possibly can.

Approximately 180,000 Ontarians live on farms. That’s about the same as the entire population of the city of Mississauga! This is not just farmers, but our families too. As for farmers in particular, we’re an aging bunch with an average age of 52 years old and growing. This is because many farm children choose to pursue careers other than farming or are involved in another aspect of agriculture and do not take over their family businesses.

Ontario farmers grow everything from potatoes, cucumbers and mushrooms to soybeans, tobacco and corn. We raise animals as common as cattle and turkeys and as rare as alpacas. We grow food which is not always used for consumption, but can be turned into ethanol, kitchen counter tops and medicine instead.

We are your neighbours, friends and relatives. Local farmers are an integral part of every community and by getting to know the producers in your area, you can put a face behind the food you eat.

The Presidents’ Council

The Presidents’ Council of Ontario was formed in 2004 to promote dialogue and collaboration amongst the various agricultural groups in the province and to address the broad issues and challenges facing the agriculture industry.

The Council consists primarily of farmer representatives from 27 agricultural groups including commodity marketing boards (eggs, vegetables, soybeans and pork, for example) and related groups such as academia and government.

“Farming Grows Ontario’s Future” is a communications program developed by the Presidents’ Council to help consumers understand and appreciate Ontario agriculture and the farmers who produce their food. In addition to this website, the campaign includes a series of television ads.

Over 80% of Ontarians live in urban centres away from farmland and any direct or indirect exposure to how their food is produced. Through “Farming Grows Ontario’s Future” the Council hopes to promote a greater understanding of agriculture and the important role it plays in Ontario.

Funding for the “Farming Grows Ontario’s Future” project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agriculture Adaptation Council’s CanAdvance Program, the Ontario government and member cash contributions.

Presidents' Council Members and Other Campaign Contributors

AGCare
www.agcare.org

Chicken Farmers of Ontario
www.cfo.on.ca

Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
www.christianfarmers.org

Dairy Farmers of Ontario
www.milk.org

Egg Farmers of Ontario
www.getcracking.ca

Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario
www.freshvegetablesontario.com

Grape Growers of Ontario
www.grapegrowersofontario.com

L'Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens
www.lavoieagricole.ca

National Farmers Union Ontario
www.nfu.ca/on/index.html

Ontario Agri-Food Education
www.oafe.org

Ontario Apple Growers
www.onapples.com