OFA Board of Directors Minutes - Ontario Federation of Agriculture

OFA Board of Directors
Minutes
October 26 th and 27 th , 2011
HOLIDAY INN GUELPH – OAKWOOD A
Present:
Board Members
Bette Jean Crews, President
Don McCabe, Vice President
Mark Wales, Vice President
Keith Currie, Executive Member
Wayne Black
Ralph Brodie
Larry Davis
Joe Dickenson
Alex Ferguson
Larry Freeman
Peter Lambrick
Debra Pretty-Straathof
Eleanor Renaud
Mark Reusser
Ken Tomlinson
Joe Vermunt
Bruce Webster
Paul Wettlaufer
Staff
Neil Currie
David Armitage
Wendy Beaton
Lori Perkes
Tom Perkes
Absent:
Guest:
Ken Tomlinson
Peggy Brekveld
1. Call to Order
Bette Jean Crews called the meeting to order.

She reported that Ken Tomlinson would be absent from the meeting,
Bette Jean introduced Peggy Brekveld, Director Elect and invited her to observe the meeting
before assuming her new role officially after the OFA Convention.
Motion:
Webster/Dickenson … THAT the agenda be approved with additions.”
CARRIED
2. Minutes of August 16 th and 17 th , 2011
Motion:
Pretty-Straathof/Brodie … THAT the Minutes of August 16 th and 17 th , 2011 be
approved.”
CARRIED
Business Arising from Minutes
A. Pension Shared Contribution Motion
Neil Currie reiterated the motion from the August meeting which provided for a waiver
of the shared contributions for the new OFA Pension Plan to facilitate the top-up
contribution by the OFA, recognizing 90% of service under the PCOTP Plan.
B. Pension Options for New Hires
Neil investigated alternative pension options for new hires as requested last meeting.
He reported that Morneau discussed the options at the last Pension Governance
Committee meeting. The issue is complex and will require more work with the Board
and staff to determine our pension goals
3. Unaudited Financial Statements for Period Ending August 31 st , 2011
Lori Perkes presented the financial statements for the period ending July 31 st , 2011.
2011 2010
Gross 38,024 38,338
Refunds 1,875 1,900
Net 36,149 36,438
Refund Rate 4.93% 4.96%

Motion:
Renaud/Freeman … “THAT the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period
ending August 31 st , 2011 be approved.”
CARRIED
4. Work In Progress /Policy Issues
A. Bio Mass Project
David Armitage gave an update to the Board on OFA’s Biomass Project.
He reported that the demand for solid fuel from Nanticoke is now much less than
anticipated when the project was put together a few years ago due to the low price of
natural gas, but there is still opportunity to use ag biomass for fuel.
A case was made to continue with the project and Phase 1 has been completed with the
results posted on the OFA website.
In Phase 2 a series of studies will be done due to moving away from the solid fuel to
gasifying it. This will work in the greenhouse industry and for community heat and
power and there is also opportunity in bio economy.
David also noted that this is the largest AAC project that has ever been awarded.
B. Petition on Surplus Dwellings
It was reported by Neil Currie that OFA received a petition in early October concerning
the need to severe surplus dwellings.
A draft letter of response was reviewed by the Board.
As this issue is a local one it was recommended that this is worked through the local
Federation.
It was also recommended that the Board should review the OFA’s policy on the
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS).
C. Young Farmers Task Team
Wayne Black reported to the Board on behalf of the Young Farmers Task Team.
The Task Team was hoping to have a final report available but he noted that it is a
complex issue.

He also reported that there is an AMI/ACC project that shows promise as it is to
determine the key issues for beginning farmers coming into farming.
The Task Team will have recommendations to move forward with it in the near future.
5. Presidents Remarks
Bette Jean Crews told the Board that she will not be seeking re-election as OFA President but
will remain as Zone 12 Director.
She thanked the Board for the support in the challenges that she has faced as OFA President.
Bette Jean also expressed a special thank you to Ken Tomlinson as a retiring Director and noted
that he will be missed around the table.
She noted that there are two reports filed in the Board Package. One for the CAC/ISO meeting
that she attended in Ireland and one for the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IGAC) she
attended last week in Winnipeg.
6. General Managers Report
Neil Currie highlighted several areas from his written report:
A. HR Issues
Researcher Peter Sykanda is away for two months on sabbatical in Argentina.
Neil also reported that as electronic communications is growing in importance and
volume it may require creation of a new unbudgeted full-time position.
B. Farm Business Registration
Neil reported on the Accreditation process for the Farm Business Registration.
C. Meeting with Commodities
Neil reported on a meeting that was held with OFAC and Commodities on October 14,
2011. The meeting report was attached.

D. PAC Experience
Early reports suggested the recent PAC Webinar experience was positively received.
Lessons learned included the opportunity for short subject introduction, quick feedback
on the issue and archiving the webinar as future reference material.
E. National Food Strategy
Neil met again on the National Food Strategy with other organizations promoting their
national food policies.
He reported that although consolidation is unlikely the groups agreed to work together
to apply the concepts to Growing Forward 2 and the upcoming Health Accord, in
particular.
F. Farmers of North America
It was reported that OFA met with FNA to discuss the nature of a partnership, but
discussions on the “offer” are on-going.
G. MPP – Royal Breakfast
OFA has organized a Breakfast at the RAWF for MPP’s.
A breakfast session and brief tour has been arranged for all MPPs at the RAWF.
Invitations have gone out with a letter also being sent to the caucus leaders to
encourage the members to attend.
7. CFIB Presentation
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business made a presentation to the OFA Board on
the work of the CFIB.
In attendance were: Plamen Petkov, Director of Provincial Affairs, Ontario; Deborah Busko,
District Manager; Mike Kellar, District Manager. By phone: Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Vice
President, Saskatchewan and Agri-Business; Virginia Labbie, Senior Policy Analyst, Agri Business.

8. Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Strategy
Margaret Walton made a presentation to the board on Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming -
An Action Plan 2021.
The action plan reflects the objectives of the National Food Strategy and presents an
opportunity to apply the NFS objectives “on the ground” as well as facilitating more contact
with urban MPPs.
Motion:
Vermunt /Renaud ... “THAT the OFA investigate working with the GTAAC in
regard to the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Action Plan 2021 and offer
support.”
CARRIED
9. Resolutions
The Board of Directors reviewed the Resolutions that had been submitted for the 2011
Convention and directed staff to work with the counties submitting.
10. FBR AutoRenewal Program
Jason Bent reported to the Board on a concept that he developed in reducing OFA’s FBR
renewal costs with Agricorp.
He provided the details of a FBR AutoRenewal Program to the Board and reviewed the FBR
AutoRenewal OFA Member Benefit Agreement.
Motion:
Webster/Lambrick ...”To direct staff to proceed with the FBR AutoRenewal OFA
Member Benefit Agreement.”
CARRIED
11. Governance Task Team Report
Debra Pretty-Straathof, Chair of Governance Task Team led the review of the draft Expense
Policy and draft Resolutions Policy.
Expense Policy
Motion:
Davis/Black ... “To accept the draft Expense Policy from the Governance Task
Team as presented effective November 21 st , 2011.”
CARRIED

It was requested that the Task Team investigate the issuance of corporate credit cards for
Directors.
Resolutions Policy
The following was noted:
1. Perth County had filed comments on the draft policy
2. Need to insert a point indicating that rules of procedure will follow Roberts Rules unless
otherwise stipulated by the policy.
Motion:
Crews/Webster ... “To accept the draft Resolution Policy from the Governance
Task Team with the recommended change.”
CARRIED
Other draft governance polices will be reviewed in December.
12. Post Election Work Plan
After the initial RAWF event the plan will be to follow up with an event at Queen’s Park in early
winter which will include meetings and a reception. It is hoped to use the opportunity to
engage counties, including young farmers in a mentoring situation as part of Proud to Lead.
There is also consideration underway to arrange for MPP tours to farms and food processors in
their areas – Food School with the possibility of extending to Farm School – a “work on the
farm” experience.
Neil also noted that the Drainage Task Team issues will be on the agenda of the next Open for
Business meeting, in December.
13. Discussion on future revenue
Larry Davis suggested OFA investigate a new membership for consumers that would enable a
discount on local food at retail. Arrangements would need to be made with a grocery retailer
Motion:
Davis/Freeman ... “THAT staff investigate possible alliance with grocery retailer
and OFA memberships.”
CARRIED

14. County Constitutions – Appointment of OFA Representatives
Neil Currie reminded the Board that OFA has asked counties to consider removing the
appointment of OFA Directors, MSRs and PAC members to County Boards by virtue of their OFA
position. Many counties have amended constitutions accordingly.
However, there are many different reasons for the inclusion on the county Board. Generally,
counties see it as a way to sustain contact with the OFA for information and reporting
purposes.
This goal is recognized as important and OFA wishes to explore ways and means to ensure
better contact and information flow. The appointment by virtue of position with OFA simply
creates an awkward legal position.
A joint PAC and County Presidents meeting is being discussed for early winter.
15. OFA and PCOT Pension Plans
Neil Currie explained that the Board need consider a technical amendment to the OFA
Employee Pension Plan (the Plan) to enable the inclusion of PCOTPP pensionable years of
service (at 90%) into the Plan.
The Pension Governance Committee (PGC) had reviewed the technical amendment with the
Actuary and recommends it to the Board of Directors.
In addition, the PGC has also recommended that the additional contribution of 0.9% into the
Plan, initiated in January 2011 and slated to expire in October, 2011, be continued.
The Board was offered a presentation by Charlene Moriarty of Morneau Shepell (actuary) on
the pension circumstances and factors affecting it going forward.
Motion:
Lambrick/Dickenson ... “THAT the OFA pursue the pension top up payments
using the smoothed rate scenario with the top up requirement of up to $1.5
million subject to validation by Morneau Shepell of legislative requirements;
and
THAT the OFA revisit the top-up commitment and determine how to proceed if
the top up liability should exceed $1.5 million due to changes on the bond
yields or other factors; and
That OFA and employees will sustain the January, 2011 0.9% contribution
increase at this time.”
CARRIED

The following Directors were absent for the vote, Wayne Black subsequently agreed to the
course of action as directed
Don McCabe, Mark Wales, Wayne Black, Ken Tomlinson and Paul Wettlaufer
16. County Priorities
A. Lambton County
Joe Dickenson brought forward a concern from Lambton County regarding a toxic waste
facility.
Joe reported that it is the only toxic waste facility in North American and it is trying to
expand but its capacity does not go beyond 18 months.
The concerns are that odour has been a problem, causing hospitalization in some cases.
It is also not clear if soil samples have been taken to see if it affecting nearby farmland
or if any study has been done on the impact to livestock.
Motion:
Dickenson/Black ... “Recommends that staff investigate the concerns
with Lambton’s toxic waste facility and move forward with a letter to
MOE.”
CARRIED
B. Volunteer Award Extension
A concern was raised as to why the Volunteer Award submission deadline was extended
by one week.
Neil Currie explained that it was to better accommodate the timing of other county
meetings.
17. New Business
A. Farmland Trust Representative
The OFA received a request from Ontario Farmland Trust to appoint a new
representative to replace Nancy Walther who had stepped down from the position.
This item will be added to the November 22 nd Board meeting Agenda for a decision.

B. AAC Annual General Meeting
The Board was informed that the OFA position on the AAC Board is up for election for a
two year term.
This item will be added to the November 22 nd Board meeting Agenda for a decision.
C. Resolutions
An inquiry was made regarding the Peel resolution on Land Use.
It was reported that letters were sent to the Ministry regarding the multiple land use
plans and the potential for consolidation.
The OFA will now need to contact the new Minister directly about this resolution issue
as well as open discussions on the use of Natural Heritage.
D. County Concerns
Larry Freeman brought forward concerns from one of the counties in his Zone.
Staff will address the concerns.
E. Update on Tractor across Canada
Larry Freeman noted his visit with three Canadians who are crossing Canada in a tractor
in an effort to raise awareness of the current state of the Canadian family farm.
They are John Varty, Molly Daley and Michael Liew.
Larry met up with them when the tractor was in the Hamilton area.
The trio are interviewing for a documentary on farming with farmers across Canada
F. AgriStability
Joe Vermunt reported that there was concern expressed at a county meeting that the
federal government is not interested in sustaining AgriStability.

OFA’s current position is as developed with OASC and reaffirmed with OACC that
AgriStability needs at least 4-5 adjustments.
OFA’s position is also consistent with CFA’s policy that we still need AgriStability.
It was also noted that OACC is conducting a needs survey and that OASC will also meet
in December on this.
G. CFA Board Meeting Update
Mark Wales updated the Board on the recent meeting of the Canadian Federation of
Agriculture.
He reported that in conjunction with the meeting CFA also had a Lobby Day in which
CFA members met with different MP’s of all 3 parties.
H. Frivolous and Vexatious Complaints
Larry Freeman informed the Board of a farmer that had to pay huge costs for a noise
and vibration complaint for which costs were denied by the Normal Farm Practices
Tribunal.
The OFA intends to write to the Tribunal expressing disappointment with the reasons
for the dismissal of costs.
This issue will also be on the Open for Business agenda.
I. Wind Turbine Task Team Recommendations
Bruce and Huron Counties have expressed some concerns with the Wind Turbine Task
Team process and outcomes.
The Task Team will meet again to review.
J. Declaration of intent to seek a Leadership Position
The following Board members expressed an intention to run for the following positions:
President – Wayne Black, Don McCabe and Mark Wales
Vice-President – Keith Currie, Larry Davis and Debra Pretty-Straathof
Executive Committee - Peter Lambrick

K. Next Board Meeting
The next Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 6 th and 7 th , 2011.
18. Adjournment