OFA in Hastings, Prince Edward, Northumberland, L&A

Lennox and Addington has joined this incredible pilot project and we're looking to get farmers signed up!

In response to the Ontario government’s stay-at-home orders which came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 14, 2021, OFA has developed the Stay-at-Home Exemption Letter for members and their employees. The letter clearly outlines that under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, any person (farmer or employee) carrying the letter is considered exempt from the stay-at-home order while conducting essential business activities. The letter clearly identifies businesses that are permitted to stay open as well as a list of essential activities related to the agriculture and food sector that are exempt. The purpose of the letter is to allow farmers and employees to travel in order to conduct business.

ONTARIO Agricultural CONFERENCE Wednesday, January 6th & Thursday, January 7th, 2021 "Coming Together"

For members in Lennox and Addington County. Please contact [email protected] to be involved.

Bill 156 is proclaimed and will be put into force December 5. The Act strikes a balance in enhancing the safety and protection of the agri-food industry while ...recognizing and respecting a citizen's rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Thank you Hon. Minister Ernie Hardeman for recognizing our sectors crucial role in maintaining Ontario's food supply during COVID-19 and giving #ontag the support and tools needed to keep the food supply chain safe. See more

Everyone welcome!

The Northumberland Federation of Agriculture (NFA) believes in prioritizing the mental health of farmers in our county. NFA has partnered with Michael Doris Counselling Services, an established resource that specializes in providing service to the rural and agricultural community. Through this partnership, OFA members in Northumberland County will have access to mental health counselling with a professional who is uniquely qualified due to their understanding of the stressors..., pressures, and conditions inherent to the agricultural industry. This program will mirror the Lennox & Addington Farmer Wellness Program, which is administered separately by the Lennox & Addington Federation of Agriculture. The program is also offered in Hastings County. OFA members in Northumberland County will have the same access to four counseling sessions at no charge. To access the service, farmers can call (705) 999-7916

Congratulations to PEFA Director Liz Johnston and family!! Well deserved.

Farmer in PEC? Please consider filling out this survey

Did you hear? OYFF is going virtual in 2020. Learn more at https://www.jfao.on.ca/oyff-virtual-program-for-2020 #OYFF2020

The Lennox and Addington Dairy Producers Association has been active in the community since 1965, providing locally produced dairy products. The organization pu...ts a smile on children’s faces every year by donating chocolate milk to a variety of kid’s activities, sports groups and camps, as well as provides fun and engaging educational presentations on where and how dairy products are produced. The L&A Dairy Producers are active members of our community, participating in local markets, events and the annual Parade of Lights. The Dairy Producers and farming community in general have seen significant changes to operations due to COVID-19. They’ve experienced fluctuations in demand; from the initial increase of products as a result of people rushing to the stores, to a decrease as schools, restaurants and sports programs were mandated to close. The Dairy Producers continue to work hard to bring fresh dairy products to our community and thank everyone who supports local. For anyone hoping to learn more about how dairy products are made, virtual tours continue to be available through the Farm and Food Care Association’s website: https://www.farmfoodcare.org/ #GreaterMovingForward #LoveMyLocal

Kudos to everyone who put their support behind this legislation.

For more details, visit https://www.agcareers.com/feed-your-future.cfm

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_sncIym_7R7mb3T4OfH9Y_A

Our zone is in an election year and we urge any members interested in becoming Director for OFA's Board, to please put their name forward. Joining our organization as a director is not only an exciting opportunity to work alongside knowledgeable, experienced and motivated board and staff members, but it’s also the chance to represent your local farming community and positively impact the livelihoods of our 38,000 farm family members. It is a commitment that has the potential to benefit you and the agri-food industry.

OFA members in Hastings County (in addition to Lennox & Addington) can now access counseling services at no cost for up to four sessions. Call (613) 985-7233 to access. Confidential and for farmers!!

Potential Abattoir in Quinte West: Feasibility Study A local farm operation in Quinte West in considering building an abattoir. Depending on the demand in our area, it could potentially have multiple lines to handle various livestock. This abattoir will be a not-for-profit facility with the goal of improving the access to a high quality abattoir service in the region. The feasibility of this facility is critical to its potential success and the positive effect that it will ha...ve for the agricultural community in our area. The survey will help us shape the potential abattoir, what services would be offered, and at what capacity. This survey is only 10 questions and should take less than 5 minutes. We appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

Northumberland Federation of Agriculture has a request for the membership: If you are looking for students to employ, we would like to hear from you. We are working with MPP David Piccini on a notice to be circulated with the school board, with the message that there are agricultural jobs for students. However, we need a list of potential workplaces for the students. Please let Lisa Meekes know if you would like to be put on such a list, as soon as possible, so we can get the notice out. [email protected]

The Government of Canada opened this program yesterday for applications. Get yours in fast!