Once upon a time a young man bought a farm property and wanted to start farming. He didn’t know quite where to start, so he called his friend who owns a farm and asked for advice.

“It’s really quite easy,” said the friend, “just call the MSR at OFA and they’ll help get you on the right track.” He gave him the phone number he needed, and was satisfied that he had done the right thing.

The MSR at OFA was very helpful. “First of all you will need an FBR number so you can qualify for FPTP. And if you haven’t reported your land purchase to the FPTP at OMAFRA, you should do so or MPAC will put you in the wrong assessment. When you pay your fee, you will become an OFA member of the BCFA, unless you choose to join one of the other GFOsCFFO or NFU. If you do not qualify for FBR you can become an IFM. You can use your FBR number for RST exemptions, but not GST.”

Now that I have bought the property, I need some money to set up the operation. “Well, you might contact FCC or BMO, RBC, CIBC, TD, or YNCU. CAFA has many professional contacts for advice. If you’re being innovative, you can apply for grants to AAC, FIMCLA, CFDC, or sign an MOU with a partner.”

The young farmer was also interested in learning more about crops and livestock. “No problem. Just contact one of the commodity groups, like OCA, DFO, OP, GFO (not to be confused with the above named GFOs), OFVGA, OSMA, CGO, CFO, ODEFA, TFO, EFO, OEF and OHRIA. Be sure to follow the guidelines of OFAC and OSPCA or you’ll get into trouble. Courses are also available at UofG, RCAT, KCAT, HRIO and online. And always work safely, obeying the OHSA, and the WSIB and OFSA guidelines.”

What if I need production advice? “There are several possibilities: you can contact your RIC at OMAFRA, who will refer you to the GIC and from there you will be connected to an advisor. You may wish to contact OIA for a list of qualified CCAs. There are a number of commodity improvement groups, such as BIO, ODHIC, and OSII.”

I am also concerned that I want to do what’s right environmentally. “There are a number of guidelines you will need to be aware of, and these are governed by MOE, MNR, EPA, and OMAFRA. You could contact the OSCIA to get more information on EFP. Other sources are EFAO, and AgCare who can inform you about IPM, PCPA and PMRA. And for food safety, you’ll want to meet HACCP standards.”

“If you decide to put up a new building, you will need to be aware of MDS, NMP or NMS, and OMB.”

I’ve thought of using the farm to generate energy. “OK, you will need to know more about the GEGEA and FIT through OPA, or if you’re logging the bush, contact OFA (the other one), OWA, or your OSN.”

What if I have problems? “Call QBRM, DART, AA, CAS, FCS, CMHA. FDMA will allow you to access CASS and CFBAS to access FBA, SBPS and PAVE. Sometimes, your MP and MPP can be of help.”

All these acronyms are giving me a major headache. What do you recommend? “Take an ASA and call me in the AM.”

~Gertie Blake~
Member Services Rep, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Answer Key

The ABCs of Farming
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