New Year Reflections

January 4, 2019 | Clarence Nywening

An old Scottish proverb states that “if wishes were horses beggars would ride.” As we begin the New Year, many of us may find ourselves making wishes; wishes for health or money or happiness for the year to come. Though wishes in and of themselves are not bad, the proverb emphasizes that a wish on its own is ineffective. It is only when we pair our wishes with hard work that much can be accomplished.

Much like wishes, last year we at the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario resolved to work with our government to improve farming practices, protect waterways and land, and serve the needs of those in our community by opening communication about farming practices. We have worked hard to make these wishes come true and have met with some success. This year we will continue to work on these resolutions as well as add a few more wishes.

First of all, we at CFFO wish to work with our government to reduce the amount of red tape that hinders farmers from working efficiently. Though we recognize the importance of our government’s work, we also know the impeding effect that unnecessary policies and regulations can have on efficient farming. It is our hope that these obstacles may be diminished in the New Year.

It is also our wish to better improve the way Best Management Practices are implemented on farms across the province. Every farmer knows that his or her farm is unique and therefore has distinct challenges that may not match those of a farm down the road. It is our hope to work with our farmers to create profiles that will help determine what best management practices are uniquely suited to their farm. In this way we hope to develop a safer, healthier Ontario for generations to come.

Even though these may be good wishes, without putting in hard work, we will remain horseless beggars. It is, therefore, our plan to work with our supporters and industry partners to open up dialogue about the challenges with best management practices. It is also our aim to continue to review and assess the different laws and policies that our government puts in place in order to prevent any new red tape issues that will negatively affect efficient farming as well as to reduce the issues that already exist.

The New Year is an exciting time to look forward to the challenges and adventures to come. We at CFFO are excited to take on the tasks of the coming year and look forward to representing the needs of farmers across Ontario. In the meantime, we wish you all a very blessed New Year.

Clarence Nywening is Board of Directors President of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKXFM Chatham, and CKNX Wingham. It is also archived on the CFFO website, www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,000 family farmers across Ontario.