20 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | December 2024 Christmas wishes As 2024 winds down, farmers across Ontario are taking stock of the year’s highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s that reflective, forward-focused time in the ag community – when challenges get reviewed and big dreams for 2025 start to take shape. In a landscape that’s constantly evolving, Ontario’s agriculture scene is buzzing with fresh ambitions and big ideas. So, what’s on the ag community’s Christmas wish list for the new year? Better Farming caught up with farmers, industry leaders, and ag experts to find out what they hope for in 2025. From Christmas cheer to crop goals, their responses are as insightful as they are inspiring. Rob Black, Senator, Ontario “There is so much I wish for the ag industry in the coming year! From better government assistance while transitioning to carbon-friendly farming techniques, to recognition for past innovations, and more industry input in government policies and decisions! “We know the ag industry does great work, but they deserve better recognition for all their hard work from coast to coast to coast.” Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness “I hope to see more Ontario-grown and produced agri-food products off store shelves and onto tables, counters, and kitchen cupboards in homes across our province. “Ontario is home to almost 50,000 farms and over 54,000 food retailers, producers, and food service businesses who generate close to $51 billion in GDP while exporting $26.2 billion in agri-food products to consumers all over North America and the world. We have some of the world’s best meat, wine, cider, produce, and finished foods, from honey to jam to sauces. “Our government will continue to work to promote these products, and our Grow Ontario Strategy aims to increase the amount of food produced and consumed in Ontario by 30 per cent by 2032.” Rob Black Cathy Lennon Rob Flack Craig McLaughlin Mark Hamel Tara Terpstra Scott Helps Dr. Wade Wright FARM LEADERS SHARE THEIR CHRISTMAS WISHES SANTA’S AG WISHLIST BY MARY LOGGAN gqxue - stock.adobe.com
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