A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) just signed by the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is being heralded as “a new tone in the working relationships of farm organizations,” according to the associations’ two presidents.
OFA President Ron Bonnett, and OCA President Ron Wooddisse, said that both boards of directors have given their unanimous approvals to the agreement.
Development of the MOU comes in response to a recommendation in the Agricultural Odyssey Group’s report tabled late last year.
“The well being of Ontario farmers and rural communities is dependent on thoughtful policy development and a strong and consistent advocacy voice,” the MOU states. “The OFA and OCA wish to ensure Ontario beef farmers’ interests are well represented to governments and the general public. Agricultural policy and business issues affecting farmers are complex, requiring a coordinated response from farm organizations,” the MOU continues.
Wooddisse noted that the agreement should help both organizations to avoid duplication while utilizing existing resources to their maximum potential. Said Wooddisse, “It clearly outlines areas that are the responsibility of either OCA or the OFA.” He added that the agreement also emphasizes the need for regular consultation between staff and board members so that both groups can effectively collaborate on issues that arise.
“The OFA will offer its services to the OCA on matters that specifically affect the beef industry directly or indirectly in an advisory, facilitation, advocacy or other role as requested by the OCA. The OCA will work with the OFA and other commodity organizations collaboratively on issues of mutual interest, subject to plans developed within the consultation process,” the agreement states. The two groups have recently put their new agreement to work in a joint lobby effort surrounding the current BSE situation.
“This is just the beginning of a process OFA hopes will result in similar MOUs with other Ontario farm commodity organizations,” Bonnett said. “It is vital that Ontario farmers are allowed to speak with a single, strong voice when dealing with governments and the public in general.”
~Ron Bonnett~
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
~Ron Wooddisse~
President, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association