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
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online