WCG Celebrates Ontario Agriculture Week
In 1998, the provincial government created Ontario Agriculture Week as an opportunity to “celebrate and acknowledge gratefully the work of Ontario farm families in providing Ontarians with the food they eat and the agricultural products they enjoy at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.”[1]
We certainly have much to celebrate. After all, the agricultural and agri-food processing industries are the top driver of the Ontario economy. More than 860,000 Ontarians work in the agri-food sector, which contributes over $47 billion annually to the province’s economy.[2] And Ontario farm families produce a diversity of delicious and safe foods, and useful agri-products.
This week, across social media, many posts have celebrated the contributions of Ontario farm families. We have enjoyed the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture’s ‘Farm Sprouts’ stories about the next generation of Ontario farmers. We have seen resources that provide insights into ways to purchase local food all season and posts sharing memories of family accomplishments in the industry.
The Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) team wanted to take the opportunity to contribute to these conversations.
“One of the things I love the most about Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector is how it touches on so many aspects of society. From providing food directly to kitchens and tables across the province, to stewardship of our natural resources, and to embracing science and innovation in order to meet the needs of the expanding global population, the agricultural industry is there for us. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to work with so many wonderful people who are involved in a multitude of aspects of Ontario’s complex and vibrant agri-food system”
“I’m grateful to work with our clients in the agri-food sector. Coming from a non-agricultural background, I’m so happy to be able to contribute to the sector through research, engagement and strategic planning. Getting to go on farm tours is probably one of the most fun parts about our work – without farmers and farm families, Ontario wouldn’t be the same! I’m proud (and privileged) to share a table of local food with my family this weekend.”
“I love to participate in such a dynamic industry – both from the primary production side through my family farm operation, as well as through my role at WCG, where we collaborate with clients seeking to innovate and improve the sustainability of Ontario agriculture. Seeing all the great work underway at the farm, association and industry levels keeps me energized about the future of our sector. Thanks to the farm families and all the other players who provide for consumers across Ontario, Canada, and globally.”
Happy Ontario Agriculture Week!
[1] Queen’s Printer for Ontario. (1998). Ontario Agriculture Week Act, 1998. Retrieved from: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/98o10.
[2] Ontario Federation of Agriculture. (2021.) Homegrown. Retrieved from: https://homegrown.ofa.on.ca/.