In This Issue

• FFCO's annual conference and speakers' program, April 9, 2026
• FFCO webinar in celebration of International Year of the Woman Farmer, March 4, 2026
• Nominate a Food & Farming Champion
• The 2026 Farm & Food Care Men's and Women's Curling Ontario Championships
• FFCO at OAAS Convention: February 20, 2026
• Registration open for agricultural media training: March 17 or March 26, 2026
• ICYMI: FFCO Member Forum meeting
• FFCO speaker services
• Call for FFCO Board of Directors nominations
• Food Freedom Day: February 8, 2026
• Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Canada's Agriculture Day: February 10, 2026
• Third National Survey of Farmer and Rancher Mental Health in Canada
• Member accolades
• FFCO welcomes new members
• Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial

FFCO's Annual Conference and Speakers' Program

Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference returns on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the GrandWay Events Centre in Elora.

This year’s theme, Farming in Focus: Real Stories, Real Impact, highlights the power of authentic agricultural storytelling to build public trust and strengthen the connection between farms and consumers.

The conference will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers shaping how agriculture is shared with the public, including keynote speaker, presented by FCC, Tyler Heppell (Potato Ty), a fifth-generation farmer and social media creator who will share how digital platforms can turn everyday farm life into engaging, educational content.

Attendees will also hear from the creators of the Canadian comedy series The Cows Come Home, who will explore how cinematic storytelling and humour can bring farming realities to life for wider audiences.



A farmer panel will round out the program, featuring Ontario producers involved in agri-tourism and on-farm events, discussing how storytelling and education enhance visitor experiences and support meaningful public engagement.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Taste of Ontario lunch
• Food & Farming Champion Award presentation
• Overview of FFCO Initiatives

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your digital presence, enhance on-farm experiences, or advocate more effectively for Ontario agriculture, this conference will offer practical tools and real-world insights to help you share your story with confidence.

Early bird registration is now open, with discounted rates available until March 27th.

FFCO webinar in celebration of International Year of the Woman Farmer

Her Stories, Our Food: Voices from Ontario Food and Farming 

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EST 

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Farm & Food Care Ontario is hosting a webinar focused on the women behind Ontario’s food and farming system. This engaging panel brings together women farmers and agricultural leaders to share their stories, day-to-day roles, and career journeys. Panelists will discuss innovation on the farm, challenges and opportunities, the value of community, and their perspectives on the future of farming, offering insight and encouragement for women and young people exploring agriculture and ag-adjacent careers.

Nominate a Food & Farming Champion

Nominations are now open for FFCO's annual Champion Award. This prestigious award celebrates individuals, organizations, or businesses that go above and beyond to connect consumers with agriculture, share accurate information, and help the public better understand how food is grown and produced in our province.

Do you know someone who’s making a real impact in promoting Ontario agriculture?

Submit your nomination by March 6, 2026 and help us recognize their outstanding contributions. Check out the nomination form and share the story of a true agri-food champion.

The 2026 Farm & Food Care Men's and Women's Curling Ontario Championships

Farm & Food Care Ontario was proud to serve as the title sponsor of the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Curling Ontario Championships, connecting with thousands of attendees on site and reaching even more viewers through Cogeco’s YourTV live broadcast.

In partnership with Curling Ontario and the Elmira & District Curling Club, and with the support of more than 60 valued partners, the championships provided a unique opportunity to engage new audiences with trusted information and showcase Ontario food and farming in an interactive, approachable way.

The weekend also featured Brunch & Brooms, a family-friendly community meal that highlighted Ontario-grown food alongside immersive learning experiences through FarmFood360 and partner displays.



Thank you to the many partners and supporters who helped make this initiative a success. The impact of this program will extend beyond the ice, supporting future outreach efforts, including the 2026 edition of The Real Dirt on Farming.

Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Convention, February 20

Farm & Food Care Ontario will be attending the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Convention on February 20. FFCO staff will be on site to connect with fair organizers, share resources, and support agricultural society fairs across Ontario.

The FFCO team will also be presenting a seminar on Friday morning from 8:30 a.m. –9:30 a.m. focused on connecting fairgoers with food and farming, sharing practical ideas and tools to support agricultural education at fairs and events.

Visit the FFCO booth in the Agriculture Education Showcase, featuring FarmFood360 and new educational offerings designed to engage fair audiences. A selection of signage and promotional materials will also be available to support agriculture-focused programming at local fairs and events.

Attendees are encouraged to pick up a fair resource package, including a Resource Catalogue highlighting educational tools — including new additions — available for use throughout the year. FFCO looks forward to continuing to support agricultural education across the province.

Registration open for agricultural media training

Sharpen your media skills with Farm & Food Care Ontario

Farm & Food Care Ontario is hosting two full-day agricultural media training sessions in Guelph this spring: Tuesday, March 17 or Thursday, March 26, 2026.

This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for Ontario agriculture by experienced Ontario agriculture communication specialists. Using real-world scenarios from participants’ own agricultural sectors, you’ll learn practical strategies for effective media and public communication. The day includes two realistic interview simulations, giving you the confidence and tools to handle interviews, public speaking, and other engagement opportunities—from crafting your key messages to mastering interview techniques.

Cost: $500 per person (FFCO member rate) | $600 per person (non-member)

Includes coffee breaks, lunch, and workshop materials.

This training is ideal for board members and staff of farm organizations and agribusinesses, as well as primary producers who engage with the public through farm tours, municipal council meetings, or other events.

To register, email info@farmfoodcare.org and indicate which date you would prefer.

In case you missed it: FFCO Member Forum Meeting

FFCO’s first Member Forum of 2026 was held virtually and welcomed fifty members for a full morning agenda. Co-Chairs Dave Stanfield and Alice Van Vught guided participants through a well-structured and efficient session that included highlights of FFCO’s 2026 projects, industry updates, and presentations from three guest speakers.

The meeting opened with researcher and FFCO volunteer Sid Heeg, who provided updates on ongoing research addressing misinformation related to food and farming. Members were invited to participate in a farmer survey, with feedback contributing to the next phase of this research.

Edward McDonnell and Shelley Petrie of the Greenbelt Foundation shared updates on the organization’s work, offering valuable context on the scope of land within their purview and current initiatives supporting a thriving agricultural community across Ontario.

Members also heard from author and historian Bonnie Sitter, who presented on her work documenting the history of the Farmerettes, young women who supported Canada’s war efforts by working on farms throughout Ontario. Her book, Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes, has inspired both a stage production and a documentary, which has received strong reception across Ontario and internationally, earning more than 20 film festival awards in 2025.

Attendees also shared industry updates, highlighting current market trends, upcoming events, and key issues shaping the agricultural sector. The next Member Forum meetings in 2026 will be held on June 24 and September 23 and are open to Platinum, Gold, and Silver members.

Invest in your team’s success with FFCO Speaker Services – book a session today

Tailored training and speaker services from Farm & Food Care Ontario

Farm & Food Care Ontario provides organizations with valuable opportunities for staff training and development through specialized programs and speaker services tailored to the unique needs of the agri-food industry.

Featured training:

• Agriculture Media Training: Media training gives participants a basic understanding of both urban and agricultural media as well as how to develop key messages and pose and answer questions. Advanced media training goes a step further and participants enroll in a full day session that includes two facilitators and a videographer.
• Social Media Sessions: Discover the dos and don’ts of online engagement and how to effectively advocate for agriculture.
• Boothmanship Training: Ensure your trade show presence is impactful with strategies for effective branding and engagement.
• Ag 101: A must for anyone looking to understand the basics of Ontario agriculture and engage confidently with clients.

Interested in booking a session or learning more? Discounted rates are available for all FFCO members. Please contact us at info@farmfoodcare.org

Call for FFCO Board of Director nominations

FFCO is now accepting nominations for six (6) Director positions:

• Two (2) Crop/Horticulture
• Two (2) Livestock
• Two (2) At-Large (general farm organizations and agribusiness members)

Crop/horticulture and livestock positions are designated for producer-based organizations.

Who can nominate or be nominated: Platinum, Gold, and Silver FFCO members in good standing.

Nomination limit: One nomination per voting member.

Nomination packages are available by email and must be submitted by March 20, 2026.

Elections will take place at the FFCO Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2026, at the GrandWay Event Centre, prior to the annual conference.

Interested in being nominated? Email kelly@farmfoodcare.org to request a nomination package or to learn more about the role.

Food Freedom Day

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) has calculated that Sunday, February 8, 2026, marks Food Freedom Day, the date when the average Canadian household has earned enough income to cover its entire annual grocery bill.

Each year, CFA tracks how much of their disposable income Canadians spend on food and beverages to better understand how food affordability is changing over time. In 2025, Canadians spent 10.8% of their disposable income on food, up slightly from 10.7% in 2024, keeping Food Freedom Day on the same date as last year.

While Canada continues to have relatively affordable food by global standards, rising food prices over several years have increased pressure on many households. Average income figures don’t fully capture the strain felt by lower-income families.



To reflect this, CFA also examines Food Freedom Day across income levels. Last year, households in the lowest income quintile spent 28.2% of their disposable income on food, compared to 5.18% for those in the highest income quintile.

CFA notes that higher grocery prices do not necessarily mean higher returns for farmers, who receive only a small share of the retail food dollar.

On Food Freedom Day, CFA will issue a press release highlighting the significance of this day.

Celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day 10th anniversary

On February 10, 2026, Canada’s Agriculture Day marks its 10th official anniversary as a national day of recognition. While agriculture in Canada has deep roots, this milestone reflects ten years of formally recognizing the farmers, food producers, and agri-food professionals who help feed the country and support its economy, health, and well-being.

It’s a moment to recognize the innovation, dedication, and resilience behind Canada’s agriculture and food sector. Whether you’re sharing a story, joining the conversation, or simply saying thank you, every action helps shine a light on the people and pride behind Canadian agriculture.

How you can take part:

• Share a photo of your favourite Canadian-grown meal
• Highlight a farmer or agriculture champion who inspires you
• Showcase agriculture in your community — from local farms to your plate
• Say thank you to the people who make it all possible



Be sure to tag #CdnAgDay and join the nationwide celebration as we mark ten years of honouring the heart of Canadian agriculture.

Third National Survey of Farmer and Rancher Mental Health in Canada

University of Guelph researchers are inviting farmers and ranchers from all commodities across Canada to participate in the 3rd National Survey of Farmer and Rancher Mental Health. The survey explores topics such as stress, burnout, resilience, anxiety, depression, and coping, and will provide updated insights into farmer mental health across the country. Results will also be compared with findings from the 2016 and 2021 national surveys to better understand how mental health trends in agriculture are changing over time.

Member accolades

The Hudson Family receives Rural Champion 2026 at ROMA

Congratulations to the Hudson Family on being named Rural Champions 2026. Presented by the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, this inaugural award recognizes the Hudson Family and Burnbrae Farms for their long-standing commitment to rural Ontario, community leadership, and building a proudly Canadian, family-owned business that continues to support communities across the province and country.

Sue and Margaret Hudson, centre, show off the Rural Champion award they received at this year’s ROMA conference in Toronto with Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, and United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. celebrated for ongoing leadership in young talent

Congratulations to Maple Leaf Foods Inc. on once again being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for Young People (2026), and on being recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers (2026). These honours reflect Maple Leaf Foods’ ongoing commitment to supporting young talent through career development, mentorship, and opportunities to grow and succeed.

FFCO welcomes new members

FFCO is pleased to welcome the following new members:

Gold member (increased from prior Silver member status)

• Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission



Supporter member

• Justin's Maple Syrup - Justin Williams

Thank you for your membership and support as we continue to educate and bring awareness of food and farming to consumers in Ontario and across Canada.

Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial

"As a local participant who grew up in the same rural area, what I appreciated the most was recognizing the diversity of families who took time to attend - many likely from a fair distance away. I am a department head of family studies and I love to see the partnerships between our local agriculture and our youth. I was amazed at the technology available and I have been exposed to Ontario Agriculture my entire life. It would be “mind blowing” for those who have not been privileged to have experience this exposure before. Amazing job to all of the partners and volunteers. A special thank you to our host family."

BOTF Innerkip guest

Renew your membership for 2026

It’s time to renew your Farm & Food Care Ontario membership for 2026. Individual and Supporter level members are invited to visit the link below to renew and continue supporting the important work of FFCO.

Your membership helps grow public trust and shared understanding of agriculture in Ontario, ensuring strong, informed connections between farmers and the public.