Ministry floats potential Ontario conservation authority reforms for feedback Friday, May 27, 2016 by SUSAN MANNOntarians have told the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry how to improve conservation authorities’ operations and programs, and now the ministry is seeking input on the best way to implement that advice.Earlier this month, the ministry posted another consultation document on the Ontario Environmental Registry to get feedback on how to implement reforms. People can comment until Sept. 9.Ministry spokesperson, Elizabeth Dorff, says by email the ministry is also seeking advice from an advisory group. The group met May 16 and 17 and includes representatives from Ontario’s three general farm organizations along with experts from conservation authorities, the municipal, environmental and development sectors, Aboriginal Peoples and people from other ministries.The Conservation Authorities Act hasn’t been reviewed “in decades so we are taking this very seriously and listening to a wide range of interested stakeholders,” she says. The ministry started the review last year.Dorff says any proposed legislative, regulatory or policy changes that are released after the ministry completes its review of the second consultation document would require further public consultations.The first round of consultations identified five areas needing improvement:Oversight and accountability in decision-making.Clarity and consistency in roles and responsibilities.Collaboration and engagement of all parties involved in resource management.Funding mechanisms to support conservation authority operations.Flexibility to update the Conservation Authorities Act in the future.Ontario has 36 conservation authorities, according to a May 16 ministry press release. The authorities are local organizations that manage and protect water and other natural resources.Ninety per cent of Ontarians live in a watershed managed by a conservation authority, the release says. BF Rural Ontario 'needs pipeline and not process' says OFA president Canada joins international agreements that establish animal disease outbreak protocols
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online