Farm-Focused, Community-Driven: The OFA Revive Fund in Action

Friday, August 22, 2025

‘It’s about tailored support where it counts most.’

By Mary Loggan

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) acknowledges that one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to meet local needs, given the province’s diverse rural landscape.

The OFA Revive Fund works with Ontario’s 51 county and regional federations to identify their own priorities and apply for matching funding to bring locally tailored projects to life.

Whether it’s farm safety training, mental health workshops, local food promotion, or environmental stewardship, the Revive Fund is designed to address what matters most in each community, right when it’s needed.

By focusing on grassroots initiatives – planned, developed, and launched by local members – the fund ensures that every investment is strategic, relevant, and impactful. This targeted approach not only maximizes the value of each dollar spent but also strengthens the bonds between farmers, their neighbours, and the broader agricultural sector.

Better Farming recently connected with OFA vice-president Ethan Wallace to discuss the fund and its current projects.

Beginnings

The Revive Fund can be traced back to 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic compelled organizations everywhere to reassess their operations.

“For the OFA, the cancellation of traditional gatherings, training sessions, and events left the organization with surplus funds that could not be used as originally intended. Rather than viewing this as a setback, OFA leaders recognized an opportunity to turn challenge into community benefit,” explains Wallace.

He points out the Revive Fund was established on a matching basis, with the OFA committing up to $100,000 annually to cover 50 per cent of eligible project costs, while local federations contributed the remaining half. This structure ensured that projects would be both locally driven and tailored to the specific needs of each community.

“The local piece is key. By doing this locally, we can give the community what they need at that point in time.

“Working with local OFA federations allows us to target the needs at the local level, instead of taking a broad approach. Different communities across Ontario will have different needs, and this allows us to address them.

“It’s about tailored support where it counts most.”

He says this approach not only empowered local federations to take ownership of their projects but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration, ensuring that every dollar invested would have maximum impact.

Work to date

To date, the OFA and its partners have invested over $1.24 million into local projects, with 31 county federations participating in 41 projects in 2025 alone. These projects span a wide range of areas, reflecting the diverse needs and priorities of rural Ontario.

Safety and training: One of the fund’s key focus areas has been safety and training. Projects have included First Aid and CPR courses, government-mandated training, the purchase of grain extraction equipment, the distribution of slow-moving vehicle signs, and road safety initiatives.

“These efforts have not only improved the safety of farm operations but also enhanced the well-being of entire communities,” Wallace notes.

“Helping urban residents understand farm equipment, making it safer for everyone – these are the kinds of projects that have a real impact.”

Community engagement and leadership: The Revive Fund has also played a crucial role in fostering community engagement and leadership development.

Local federations have used the fund to organize governance workshops, strategic planning sessions, member appreciation events, and leadership development programs.

“These initiatives have helped strengthen the bonds within rural communities and empowered the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“The OFA is a strong believer in supporting community engagement, and we appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment that our county and regional federations bring to initiatives and projects in their local areas.”

Education and outreach: Education and outreach have been central to many Revive Fund projects.

Wallace points out that agricultural tours, rural land-use planning sessions, and children’s safety programs have helped bridge the gap between farmers and their communities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the vital role agriculture plays in Ontario’s economy and society.

Health and wellness: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by farm families, the Revive Fund has supported mental health initiatives and wellness seminars. These programs have provided much-needed resources and support to help farmers and their families cope with stress, isolation, and the pressures of modern agriculture.

Wallace underscores the importance of local knowledge in guiding these investments:

“The Revive Fund has resulted in investments of more than $1.24 million into local communities, which is a milestone to be proud of,” he says. “Local federations are investing in farming communities, seeing what they need. Investing in communities and the membership.”

He notes that feedback from federations has been overwhelmingly positive, with many members expressing gratitude for the fund’s ability to address timely, community-specific concerns.

The flexibility and responsiveness of the Revive Fund have made it a model for effective, grassroots-driven investment.

Looking ahead

The fund also plays a key role in bridging rural and urban divides by increasing awareness of farming practices and equipment safety.

Wallace points out that through education and outreach, the OFA is helping to foster greater understanding and respect between rural and urban residents.

As the Revive Fund continues to grow and evolve, the OFA board meets annually to review the program’s progress and set priorities for the coming year. This annual review process ensures that the fund remains responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.

“Every year the board gets together to decide on topics that will best benefit our members and the community,” Wallace explains.

“Our board has seen the good it’s done, and we will decide on how to continue it into the future.”

Wallace is optimistic about the fund’s future and the leadership pipeline it helps cultivate.

“By providing opportunities for engagement, learning, and development, the Revive Fund is helping to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“We’re always looking for the next need. I encourage members, especially the younger generations, to get engaged, learn, and develop.

“When I’m ready to step down, hopefully there will be a lineup of people ready to step up,” he says.

“The more good we can do for people, the better we can do to inspire the next generation of farmers across Ontario.” BF