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In This Issue


  • Breakfast on the Farm events for 2025
  • FFCO's 2025 annual Speakers' Conference highlights
  • Bruce Christie awarded 2025 Food & Farming Champion award
  • FFCO elects 2025 Board of Directors
  • FFCO recognizes retiring director
  • Upcoming webinar: Putting your best foot forward, May 21, 2025
  • Local Food Week, June 2-8, 2025
  • Order your "If Found Please Return to the Farm" T-Shirt
  • Summary of PAWS Enforcement Powers
  • The Real Dirt on Farming exclusive case sale
  • Member accolades
  • Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial
  • FFCO welcomes new members

Breakfast on the Farm events for 2025

Farm & Food Care Ontario announces the 2025 Breakfast on the Farm event line-up:


  • June 14 - Hoenhorst Farms, Innerkip
  • August 23 - Two-stop event in Norfolk County; co-hosted by the Norfolk Agricultural Society and Apple Hill Lavender & Apple Farm
  • October 10 - FARMtoberfest at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest


Breakfast on the Farm events showcase the many different agricultural commodities, careers, opportunities, and advancements in modern farming and food production. Guests will enjoy interactive displays and exhibits highlighting the diversity of food produced in Ontario. Visitors can also get up close with different livestock displays, explore farm equipment, and have all their farming-related questions answered by farmers and industry experts. To get involved and support this important outreach event, contact FFCO to explore partnership opportunities and help bring the story of Ontario agriculture to a wider audience.


Volunteer registration is now open—sign up today and be part of these outreach events!

Questions? Reach out to events@farmfoodcare.org

Sign up to volunteer here

FFCO's 2025 annual Speakers' Conference highlights

Pictured above: Claire Mc Cormack sharing her research on five decades of trends in media coverage of agriculture.

Pictured above: a panel discussion on agriculture in the media moderated by RealAgriculture's Bernard Tobin (left), featuring Scott Miller of CTV, Debora Van Brenk (formerly of the London Free Press), and Claire Mc Cormack presented by Farm Credit Canada.

Charlotte Wasylik of Chatsworth Farm sharing her experience of using social media as a tool of consumer engagement.

A crowd of FFCO supporters fill the room for the conference.

On April 10, 2025, farmers, producers, and agriculture business representatives gathered at the GrandWay Events Centre in Elora for Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) 2025 Annual Speakers' Conference.


Participants from across the province joined to hear from Claire Mc Cormack, a leading PhD researcher at University College Dublin, who delivered the keynote address on five decades of trends in Irish media coverage of agriculture.


Following the keynote, a panel discussion was moderated by Bernard Tobin, RealAgriculture’s Ontario Field Editor, featuring Scott Miller, of CTV London, Debora Van Brenk, former agriculture/environment reporter for The London Free Press, and Claire Mc Cormack. The panel, presented by Farm Credit Canada, explored the changing face of agriculture in media and the factors shaping its narrative.


The event concluded with a presentation from Charlotte Wasylik of Chatsworth Farm in Vermilion, AB, who shared insights on growing trust through transparency in food production and public engagement.


FFCO's 2025 annual Speakers' Conference would not be possible without the generous support of partners including:

  • Farm Credit Canada
  • Grand River Agricultural Society
  • Libro Credit Union
  • JWA Group
  • MNP
  • Ontario Mutual Insurance Association
  • Ontario Apple Growers
  • RealAgriculture
  • Sheldon Creek Dairy
  • Summit Station Dairy
Find event photos here

Bruce Christie is 2025 Food & Farming Champion

FFCO celebrated Bruce Christie of Mississauga as the 2025 Food & Farming Champion at its Annual Speakers' Conference on April 10th, honouring his decades of efforts in promoting and supporting Ontario agirculture.



Bruce was nominated by Dave Crossan of Trouw Nutrition with letters of support from long-time industry colleagues William Bearss and Crystal Mackay. He spent 43 years working for Shur-Gain (now Trouw Nutrition), where he served as Marketing Manager and was instrumental in developing innovative livestock, poultry, and pet products. Throughout his career, he played a key role in creating the model farm exhibit at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), helping educate urban Canadians about livestock farming. A familiar presence at the CNE, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and Breakfast on the Farm events, Christie, to this day, continues to engage consumers in agricultural education.

Read the press release here 

FFCO elects 2025 Board of Directors

Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) 2024-2025 board executive was chosen on April 26, 2024. Elected to the Farm & Food Care Ontario board executive are the following:


  • Janelle Cardiff, nominated by Egg Farmers of Ontario (Chair)
  • Nadine Schwandt, nominated by New-Life Mills, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd. (Vice Chair)
  • Nicki Scott, nominated by Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association, and Ontario Potato Board (Second Vice Chair)
  • John Taylor, nominated by Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (Treasurer)
  • Crispin Colvin, nominated by Ontario Federation of Agriculture (Past Chair)


This meeting follows the board elections at the organization's AGM and Speakers’ Conference held on April 10. Other members of the Board of Directors include:


  • Joe Hickson, nominated by Ontario Seed Growers' Association
  • Steve Lake, nominated by Grain Farmers of Ontario
  • Quintin McEwen, nominated by Ontario Sheep Farmers
  • Jennifer Mitchell, nominated by Ontario Hatcheries Association
  • Pete Overdevest, nominated by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (Ex-Officio)
  • Joost van der Heiden, nominated by Beef Farmers of Ontario
  • Augusta Van Muyen, nominated by Grape Growers of Ontario (Newly elected)
  • Andrea Veldhuizen, nominated by Chicken Farmers of Ontario 
Read the press release here 

FFCO recognizes retiring director

Retiring director Kelly Gubesch, who joined the board in 2023 representing Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. and subsequently Maple Leaf Foods, was thanked for her important contributions and years of service and commitment to the organization at FFCO's 2025 annual conference on April 10th.

Upcoming webinar: Putting your best foot forward

This training session will provide tools to empower volunteers at fairs, farm tours and events to tell their stories to a non-farming audience.


For: OAAS members and volunteers, 4-H Ontario members and leaders

When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom



The most effective and memorable exhibits include enthusiastic and informative volunteers. Whether you want to improve your public speaking skills, communicate assertively, or engage in meaningful conversations, this training session is perfect for you. Join Farm and Food Care Ontario for a webinar discussing how best to connect with the public when exhibiting livestock.

 

Please note: Pre-registration is required for this session.

Register here

Local Food Week, June 2-8, 2025

Mark your calendars! Local Food Week is happening from June 2–8, 2025. It's a time to celebrate the abundance of fresh, healthy food grown, produced, and processed right here in Ontario. Our hardworking farmers dedicate themselves every day to providing safe, nutritious food for everyone across the province to enjoy.


Show your love for Ontario food using #loveONfood all week long on various social media channels. A library of graphics has been created for your commodity group/company to use for your own Local Food Week promotions.

Download Local Food Week graphics here

Order your collector 2025 FFCO T-Shirt

Our exclusive "If Found, Please Return to the Farm" t-shirts, designed for FFCO, are now available for just $25. Show your love for the farm life and support for FFCO with these stylish, comfortable tees. Orders can be picked up at no cost from the Guelph office or shipped for a flat rate of $5.


Order yours today and bring the farm vibes wherever you go.

Order t-shirt here

Summary of PAWS Enforcement Powers

A newly updated summary of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act is now available on the FFCO website. This document, created by PAWS and FFCO and recently updated, is a valuable tool for understanding the role of Animal Welfare Services and the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act. This resource covers important topics such as who to call in an animal welfare situation, the difference between distress and critical distress, standards of care, inspection powers, and the process of inspector visits.

View the document here 

Beware of false emails claiming attendee lists

Farm & Food Care Ontario has been made aware of unauthorized third-party emails falsely offering access to FFCO event attendee lists. Please note that FFCO does not share participant information from any events, tours, or public engagement activities. 

The Real Dirt on Farming exclusive sale

FFCO is offering a special discount on cases of the 6th edition of The Real Dirt on Farming. This award-winning booklet answers the top questions Canadians have about food and farming in a simple, easy-to-understand format.


This edition dives deep into the roots of Canadian agriculture, featuring farmer and researcher profiles from across the country—from the Yukon to Newfoundland and everywhere in between. Available in both English and French, the booklet comes in two versions: full and digest.


Order today and choose pick-up to receive a FREE cardboard stand with your purchase! Shipping is also available if you prefer. Payment can be made by cheque, e-transfer, or credit card.

Place order here

Member accolades:

Turkey Farmers of Ontario celebrates 60th anniversary


Congratulations to Turkey Farmers of Ontario on celebrating 60 years at its 2025 Annual General Meeting held on April 2, 2025. The event brought together farmers, industry partners, and government representatives to reflect on six decades of success, share insights, and look ahead to a thriving future for Ontario’s turkey sector.

Jack Chaffe receives King Charles III Coronation Medal


Congratulations to Jack Chaffe on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal, a distinguished honour celebrating outstanding service to community and country. A fifth-generation beef producer from Mitchell, Ontario, Jack has devoted his career to strengthening the beef industry in Ontario and across Canada. His leadership includes serving as President of Beef Farmers of Ontario and as a director with the Canadian Cattle Association.

Above: Jack Chaffe received award by Wellington MPP Matthew Rae.

Burnbrae Farms and Gray Ridge Eggs named finalists for 32nd Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards


Congratulations to Burnbrae Farms and Gray Ridge Eggs on being named finalists for the 32nd annual Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, presented by the Retail Council of Canada. This recognition highlights their continued innovation and excellence in bringing new, high-quality products to Canadian consumers.

Bite of Brant celebrates 30 years of agriculture education


Bite of Brant celebrated its 30th anniversary on April 8–9, 2025, at the Burford Fairgrounds, welcoming 1,000 Grade 5 students and teachers from across Brantford and Brant County. The award-winning program continues to educate young learners about local agriculture and the importance of Ontario-grown food.

Above: Bite of Brant committee members (L-R): Lauren Miller, Barbara Sheardown, Tammy Allardyce, Jayne Miller, Jean Emmott, and Dorothy Donkers.

Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial

"Very interesting insight on how technology is helping farmers in 2024. The event was an eye opener on the high costs involved with equipment. The farmer volunteers from the surrounding area were very knowledgeable and very willing to answer any questions and share experiences. A very worthwhile experience."

 

BOTF attendee

FFCO welcomes new members

FFCO welcomes the following new members:


Silver member

  • MNP LLP


Supporter member

  • Buchrest Farms Ltd
  • Eric & Stacey Bastiaansen
  • Kinmount Agricultural Society
  • Seaforth Agricultural Society
  • Thom Mueller
  • A&W Services


Individual member

  • Shannon Miller - Millers Farm Fresh
  • Carolyn van der Heiden
  • Meganne Haynes
  • Crosby Devitt
  • Jennifer Woodhouse
  • Jennie McEwan
  • Victoria Berry
  • Susan Dunk
  • Corinna Ward
  • Joan Lau
  • Russell Gammon


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.

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.

Join FFCO today!
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