permission to break down their model and built it back up in a way that helped farmers here recognize environmental risks and also present proven methods to address that risk,” says Graham. “To be still involved 30 years later and see the tremendous success it’s been not only in Ontario but across Canada is extremely rewarding.” INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION Recognition of the EFP’s value has come from very far afield. Graham and OSCIA colleagues frequently hosted delegations from, among many other places, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Nunavut territory. While the application of technical details may not have been relevant to each visiting party, the structure of the EFP – and specifically, how it was employed as a vehicle of knowledge transfer — proved valuable. “It’s always impressive to host groups from countries you would least expect. It wasn’t the technical information in the book, it was the adult education system they were interested in – the idea of assembling a system that would empower their farmers,” he says. Delegates from Nunavut, for example, thought the EFP format would be valuable in identifying specific risks in the area and putting into practice tactics that would reduce those risks. “In their case, the risk was polar bears coming in your front door. It opens your eyes to a lot of different circumstances.” HARRY STODDART TAKES EXECUTIVE ROLE Graham has shifted to the executive officer role until he retires in June. Harry Stoddart, a veteran farmer and consultant in agri-food business strategy and policy design, has taken on the executive director position. Stoddart brings to OSCIA considerable consulting experience in agri-food business strategy and policy design, including roles with the Lindsay Agricultural Society as general manager and operating a 2,000-acre family farm. He authored a book on his farming experiences titled Real Dirt: An Ex-industrial Farmer’s Guide to Sustainable Farming. “From my perspective, my first goal is to listen to the members, staff, and others in the organization to understand where they see the challenges and growth opportunities,” says Stoddart. More generally, Stoddart hopes his long-standing interest in environmental stewardship and range of experiences in consulting and primary production — including hog and beef production — will support his understanding of challenges and opportunities. “The environmental piece has always been a passion of mine,” he says. “The big thing I want to do is continue to build on OSCIA’s reputation and put it in a leadership position for environmental issues. Climate change and greenhouse gas reduction are going to be prominent in the coming years. We need research and good policy.” GOING FORWARD Graham says the need for continued research and comprehensive reviews of the EFP itself is also important. “A lot has changed in 30 years. There are changes in regulation, new ideas, technologies, and issues that weren’t being discussed when the current fourth edition was being rolled out, which was 10 years ago. It needs to have a thorough review, and we hope there will be an opportunity for other organizations to be consulted to determine their needs, desires and opinions.” l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 19 JUNE/JULY 2023 Recognition of the EFP’s value has come from very far afield. Graham and OSCIA colleagues frequently hosted delegations from, among many other places, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Nunavut territory. Since the EFP was introduced in 1993, it is estimated that more than 75 per cent of Ontario farm businesses have participated at one time or another. Many have come through the door of workshops more than once to keep their plan updated. By 2021, several tens of thousands of Ontario farm businesses had voluntarily participated in over 3,750 educational workshops delivered by OSCIA workshop leaders. Records reveal OSCIA has administered well over $265 million in cost-share incentives to farm businesses over the years through a variety of programs. Most of these government funds have been invested in environmental improvements. Source: Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. BY THE NUMBERS
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