Commentary

Building Relationships

October 21, 2023 | Paul Bootsma

The purpose of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is to build relationships. Relationships with our members, but also with industry partners, government agencies, and other agriculture related organizations. Our focus during agricultural events and fairs over the last two years has been to strengthen these relationships and build new ones.

In September, we held a Provincial Council meeting in Leamington, Ontario and invited a local greenhouse operator and grower, Michael Del Ciancio as one of the speakers. Although Michael is not a current CFFO member, his presentation provided excellent first-hand information about the greenhouse industry in Ontario, and helped reach outside the organization for conversations that benefited us all.

We started October off by attending and hosting a booth at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference in Niagara Falls. This is the second year we have attended this event as exhibitors. Here we are able to connect with our members but also potential members. All for the purpose of building relationships.

Our most important relationship is with Jesus Christ, whom we represent as people, farmers and CFFO. Our goal is to reflect His love and Kingship of this earth that we have been called to care for. We are not perfect in this, but by the spirit’s assistance we strive to be Christ-like in all we do.

Our relationship building is what makes the CFFO a strong organization and continues the growth in our membership as an Accredited Farm Organization (AFO). When we do our work well, people take notice. Our goal before the end of this year is to encourage our district leaders to also engage in relationship building by attending one of four retreats for our district board members. During this retreat they will be trained to engage and become involved with others in their communities that are involved in leadership within the Ag industry.

Having relationships with leaders outside the industry is also significant for the CFFO. Others within local places also need to understand the purpose of the CFFO, so they too will be supportive of our goals. Equally important is for our district leaders to engage with the general membership. Communicating with them to be sure matters of importance are conveyed to the office. It’s the one-on-one conversations that build the federation and draw others to become part of the CFFO.

As an AFO, we work closely with our provincial government on relevant topics that effect our membership. This relationship gives us the opportunity to provide our input but also give constructive criticism when our perspective differs from the government’s recommendation or the policy being work on. Respecting each other is most important so that the best result is what’s best for the farmers of Ontario.

Let us be sure to build relationships with one another, to bring the message of love, and the truth of why we do what we do as producers of food for the population. God bless our relationship building