The agriculture industry left the fields for Niagara Falls Convention Centre March 24 for the annual Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic. It was the first year the event was held in Niagara Falls after 15 years in London, Ont.
Why it matters: This year’s theme, Breaking New Ground: Embracing Change, was fitting for a year that has brought significant geopolitical change to the sector.
In addition to product booths and demonstrations, the event featured speakers including entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Arlene Dickinson, business analyst Catherine Murray, co-founder of NoW of Work and author of Rethink Work Eric Termuende, and Canadian broadcaster, producer, filmmaker and writer George Stroumboulopoulos, who each touched on the challenges Canadian farmers are facing in the wake of tariffs and, more recently, higher fuel prices.
Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO Crosby Devitt told attendees that until recently, competitiveness was not the first thought of Ontario farmers. He added that this has changed as the industry looks globally for new trade partners.
“We have seen how disruptions are affecting fertilizer prices,” he said, adding that the new economic environment will be volatile in the near future.
Bringing a Queen’s Park perspective, John Vanthof, Opposition House leader and critic for agriculture, food and agribusiness, as well as rural affairs, said farmers continue to face the challenge of getting notice and recognition from government decision-makers.
“We have to work together and make sure agriculture is something they think about right away,” he told attendees. “It is incumbent on us all to work together to make sure that everyone realizes how important this industry is.”
The event concluded with the annual banquet featuring Canadian actors and husband-and-wife duo Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath.
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