November 2019
Greetings, we hope you enjoy reading our November News and Updates!
MEET THE AAC BOARD
Peggy Brekveld, Secretary

Peggy is a leader in the Ontario agriculture industry, she is currently on the executive committee of the AAC board, and vice president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

For almost four years, Peggy has been one of two General Farm Interest sector representatives on the AAC board and she is the secretary on the executive committee. With Peggy’s background as a northern Ontario dairy farmer and an OFA director, she brings an exceptional blend of knowledge and passion for the industry to the board table.

Peggy and her husband Gert own and operate Woodstar Farm, a 70-cow dairy operation located in Murillo. She enjoys promoting the importance of agriculture and local food to provincial politicians, municipalities, students and other community groups.

We have asked a few questions to learn more about Peggy, click here to read her responses:

  1. What do you enjoy most about being on the AAC board?
  2. What advice do you have for young leaders who are interested in getting involved on a board?
  3. What unique perspective do you feel you bring to the board table as a producer from northern Ontario?
  4. What excites you the most about the future of the agriculture and agri-food industry in Ontario?
  5. What is your favourite activity to do with your family in your community?
MEET THE AAC MEMBERSHIP
Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, proudly representing 38,000 farm family members across the province.

OFA was one of the founding members of the AAC in 1995 and has been a member for over 20 years. As a dynamic, producer-led organization based in Guelph, Ontario, OFA works to represent and champion the diverse interests of Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities. OFA’s work includes government relations, farm policy development, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is a leading agricultural advocate for Ontario farmers, their farm businesses and their communities.

OFA is part of a collaboration of seven provincial agricultural organizations who are providing leadership into the development of the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan (CO-LEAP). The group, known as Environmental Collaboration Ontario (Eco-Ag), has been approved for funding under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership for a project to support CO-LEAP implementation. In addition to OFA, the Eco-Ag members include Ontario Pork, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Ontario Sheep Farmers and Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Click here to read more about the project.

We have asked a few questions to learn more about OFA, click here to read their responses:                   

  1. What is the greatest benefit to your organization from being an AAC member?
  2. For the CO-LEAP project, there are seven groups working together, why is this cross-industry collaboration beneficial for this project?
  3. How does OFA encourage leadership within the local federations and on the provincial board?
  4. OFA’s Annual General Meeting is upcoming on November 18 & 19, what are some of the key topics for this year’s event?
CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP STORIES
Click on the pictures below to read about applicants who have been approved for funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership for Organizations and Collaborations in Ontario.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of the Partnership in Ontario.