The Ontario Federation of Agriculture 2026 General Membership Survey confirmed taxation, red tape and trade uncertainty remain key member issues.
The survey also reflected the membership’s high value on advocacy and representation, with the organization’s efforts receiving an 81 per cent rating of high or very high satisfaction.
Why It Matters
The survey directs the OFA on areas requiring increased advocacy, emerging issues and how it can better serve the industry.
“Advocacy is at the heart of what we do at OFA, so it’s encouraging to see that our members continue to value having a strong voice representing Ontario agriculture,” Sara Wood, OFA vice-president, said in a press release. “Just as importantly, the survey gives us clear direction on where members want us to focus and how we can demonstrate the value of their membership.”
Seventy per cent of survey respondents rated taxation as very important, while 90 per cent rated it important or very important. Additionally, members identified red tape and regulations, tariffs and trade uncertainty, energy costs and access and rural infrastructure as top priorities.
“We hear regularly from farmers about the pressures they are facing, whether that’s rising costs, regulatory burden, uncertainty in international markets or the infrastructure their farms and rural communities depend on,” said Wood.
She added the survey results highlight issues to bring forward to government and decision-makers at all levels and assess the practical value of the OFA’s benefit program.
OFA’s communications, advocacy and lobbying efforts, leadership and collaboration within agriculture, public awareness initiatives such as Home Grown, and participation at farm and trade shows all received positive ratings.
The survey noted that OFA’s tools, resources and information provide additional membership value, with the survey showing that 50 per cent of respondents used a member benefit in the past year, up from 34 per cent in 2025.
It also revealed a need for stronger local and on-farm engagement and increased support for small, emerging and first-generation farmers.
The OFA encourages members and non-members to stop in at Federation House to discuss issues impacting their farm business and rural communities while visiting Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock Sept. 15-17.
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