The Ontario Federation of Agriculture wants to see more new farmers enter the industry and what will entice them to do so.
OFA director Joe Dickenson says he chairs a Task Team that is studying what it will take to encourage young people to enter farming.
Dickenson says everyone, especially beginning farmers are invited to a Summit meeting this Saturday in Delaware, Ontario, just outside of London, to find out what it takes.
He says the meeting will go from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Delaware Community Hall.
The purpose is to earmark what exactly a Beginning Farmer is and how existing or possible new government programs can help or hinder the farmer starting out.
Dickenson says to decide to farm is a big step because it’s a substantial investment that takes time to pay dividends.
He says not only that, even young people in farm families are hearing negative comments about the industry from parents and peers.
Dickenson says it’s time to stop complaining and to start progressing.
He says for those unable to attend the Summit, a Facebook site is set up with the group called “Creating Answers for Beginning Ontario Farmers.”
Young farmers are welcome to join that group and get involved in the discussions.
Results of the Facebook submissions will be discussed at the Summit.