In This Issue

• Farm Discovery Zone at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, April 6, 2024
• FFCO's Annual Meeting and Speakers' Conference, April 11, 2024
• FFCO board member nominations open
• Nominate a Food & Farming Champion
• FFCO and Canadian Food Focus webinar, March 21, 2024
• The Real Dirt on Farming booklet available to order
• Member Accolades
• Registered Dietitian tour testimonial

Farm & Food Care Ontario is seeking volunteers for a new Farm Discovery Zone event at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival on April 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This festival, drawing an estimated 80,000 visitors annually, offers a unique opportunity for individuals to interact with Ontario farmers through engaging educational displays centered around farming. The activation will feature numerous attractions, including a large display of farm equipment, Ontario commodity exhibits, livestock, family photo opportunities, and samples of food grown in Ontario.

We are looking for passionate volunteers to join us, helping to provide invaluable information and answering attendees' inquiries about food and farming practices in Ontario. Join us in sharing the story of Ontario agriculture and fostering connections between farmers and consumers. 

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024

Event Time: 9 am to 3 pm

Where: Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, Farm Discovery Zone

Help us by volunteering or becoming an event partner.

For more information and to register, please click the button below.

FFCO's annual general meeting and speakers' program will be held at the Grandway Events Centre in Elora on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

Enjoy a day-long program for the Ontario agriculture industry, featuring speakers and collaboration around growing public trust. Be part of the conversation with like-minded industry leaders on the future of agriculture.

The main program will begin at 11 a.m. There will be a members-only business meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. which will include FFCO Board of Director elections.

Early bird tickets are on sale now until March 28th- members' early bird rate is $80, while non-members' rate is $100.

After March 28th- members' rate is $95, while non-members' rate is $115.

Keynote Speaker “If I Can…” with farmer and motivational speaker, Chris Koch

Koch doesn’t let limitations or obstacles stand in his way. Despite being born without arms and legs, Koch grew up like any other small-town kid — playing road hockey, causing mischief at school, and helping out on his family farm. Neither he nor his family treated his disability like a tragedy, and instead used it to fuel his dreams. Today, Koch is a motivational speaker who inspires his audiences to continually challenge themselves and build the life they dream of.

Cami Ryan

 Mis/Disinformation: Difficult to detect, impossible to ignore

Cami Ryan, PhD, is the social and behavioral sciences lead at Bayer Crop Science, with over 25 years of experience in agriculture and ag sciences. In her role with Regulatory Scientific Affairs (RSA), she strengthens relationships and engages with social, behavioral, and political scientists. Leveraging her extensive scientific network, Cami examines policy, regulations, consumer behavior, and public acceptance of agricultural innovations globally.

Graham Taylor

Artificial Intelligence ethics: managing risks and responsibilities

Graham Taylor, a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Machine Learning at the University of Guelph, leads research focused on deep learning and its ethical implications. Graham's work involves studying ethical concerns in AI, building responsible systems, and applying AI advancements to societal issues. Graham will discuss key risks associated with machine learning models, including misinformation and the urgency of ethical considerations in AI development.

FFCO board member nominations open

Elections for the FFCO Board of Directors will take place at the Annual General Meeting taking place immediately before the Annual Conference on April 11, 2024. Six positions on the board will be up for election.

Each voting member (Platinum, Gold or Silver members in good standing) is entitled to nominate one candidate to the board (or have one elected seat) at any given time.

Nominations include three components: a nomination form, a biography and questionnaire, and a signed copy of the director responsibilities and obligations document. All nominations must arrive at the Farm & Food Care Ontario office by email by Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5 p.m. Send via email to [email protected]

FFCO is accepting nominations for its annual Champion Award. The award is presented to individuals, organizations or businesses who have taken initiative to help engage consumers about agriculture in our province. Nominees have used their skills to help inform consumers or correct misinformation about production practices, and done a measurable job of promoting our industry.

Nominations are to be submitted by March 8, 2024. If you know someone you think should be recognized, please review the nomination form.

Pictured here are 2021, 2022 and 2023 award winners Paul Nairn, John Drummond and Jean Sullivan.

FFCO and Canadian Food Focus webinar

Join Farm & Food Care and Canadian Food Focus for their upcoming webinar titled "Misinformation and Disinformation in Food Science and Nutrition: Impact on Practice,” scheduled for March 21 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

In an era where food and nutrition discussions permeate both traditional media and social platforms, it's crucial to address the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation.

Connie Diekman and Dr. Cami Ryan will delve into the complexities of navigating this landscape, exploring its impact on professional practice.

This session is tailored for nutrition practitioners, clinician scientists, researchers, communicators, educators, and food experts keen on enhancing their understanding and practice in an era inundated with information.

The distinguished speakers for this event are renowned experts in their respective fields:

Connie Diekman, M.Ed, RD, LD, FADA, FAND: With a wealth of experience as a Food and Nutrition Consultant in St. Louis, Missouri, Connie Diekman has held pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, as well as prestigious organizations including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Heart Association. Her leadership extends to chairing the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group.

Dr. Cami Ryan, PhD: Dr. Cami Ryan serves as the Senior Business Partner for Industry Affairs and Sustainability with Bayer Crop Science Canada. She is also recognized as a Bayer Science Fellow and a Professional Affiliate with the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Ryan's extensive academic and professional background in social sciences and economics uniquely position her as a passionate advocate for science-based policy in the agriculture industry.

Date: March 21, 2024 Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Webinar presented by: Farm & Food Care and Canadian Food Focus 

The Real Dirt on Farming booklet available to order

The sixth edition of The Real Dirt on Farming is now available to order!

Dive deep into the roots of Canadian agriculture with the latest booklet.

The 2023 edition features farmer and researcher profiles from across the country – from the Yukon to Newfoundland and all points in between. It covers big topics being talked about currently in Canadian agriculture – from farmer mental health to the critical work done by seasonal agricultural workers; sustainability, food inflation, food insecurity and food waste, climate change, plant breeding, animal welfare and more. The booklet is available in English and French.

Member accolades:

Kelly Ciceran, recipient of the Golden Apple Award

Congratulations to Kelly Ciceran, long time General Manager of the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG), who received the prestigious Golden Apple award recently at the annual meeting of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetables Growers' Association.

She is shown here (centre) with current OAG chair Brian Rideout and past chair Cathy McKay.

The award is presented annually to a recipient who has made outstanding contributions to the Ontario apple industry.

CFO donates $100,000 to Feed Ontario's full shelves campaign

The Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) has responded to the surge in Ontarians seeking emergency food support by contributing a substantial $100,000 donation to Feed Ontario’s Full Shelves Campaign. Murray Opsteen, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario, emphasized the unwavering commitment of Ontario’s chicken farmers, stating, “Food banks across Ontario have seen a widespread increase in visitors since 2020. 

Record setting food and fund drive on Canada's Ag Day

Pork producers joined Ontario Pork staff to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day at the Kitchener Rangers game on Tuesday, February 13. On the ice the Rangers defeated the Guelph Storm 4-3, but it was off the ice where the biggest win happened, with a record-setting food and fund drive to help restock food bank shelves. To watch a video of the event visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up7gDm6dpy0

Sheldon Creek Dairy recipient of 2023 Farm Fresh Ontario Member of the Year Award

Congratulations to Sheldon Creek Dairy on its recent achievement of the 2023 Farm Fresh Ontario Member of the Year Award.

Registered Dietitian tour feedback

"This is my second tour and like the first, I’ve learned a lot. Thank you for the invite and look forward to another one in the future."

"Thank you for organizing these tours for us. They build our knowledge and confidence in areas so rarely tapped into during our dietetic programs."

"My first visit at a Farm & Food Care tour was beyond expectations. It was a well-paced event with diversity of learnings. Food was excellent as well."

- Registered Dietitian tour, October, 2023.

Become a Member

Did you know?

• You, your farm or your business can become a member of FFCO
• Your support in membership makes FFCO's work possible
• Corporate members ($1800+) can access free training and workshops

Not a member yet? Learn why others have joined FFCO.