Young and future Ontario farmers are looking for new ideas and advice in developing their businesses amidst changing economics in an increasingly challenging industry are invited to the 2009 Ontario Young Farmers’ Forum, where the theme is “Driving to Success.”

Hosted by the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum (OYFF), the one and a half day forum in Toronto on November 22nd and 23rd will focus on farm transition planning and commodity marketing for over 90 participants age 18-40 from across Ontario.

Following our theme “Driving to Success,” several speakers and panelists will be giving their insights into successful farm transition planning, successful commodity marketing programs and successful, innovative farming practices. Keynote speakers include Betty Hansen and Maurizio Agostino. Hansen (C.A CFP) is the owner of Crossroads Planning Group who provides family business consulting services including succession, exit and strategic business planning. Agostino is the head of the Farms.com Risk Management division and is their Managing Commodity Strategist. Participants will also enjoy an evening of laughter following the forum at Yuk Yuk’s dinner and comedy show.

Statistics show that the average age of farmers in Canada is continuing to increase while more young people are choosing to leave the farm. The OYFF seeks to give those, who want to continue agriculture as a viable industry, the opportunity to find the tools they need to be successful. With fewer young people entering farming as a career or returning to an existing business, those who are interested in farming must be creative, dedicated and well educated in science, economics and business. The program also works to increase the opportunities for young farmers to network with each other and with those with more experience in their area to share ideas in order to improve the chances for success.

The vision of OYFF is to create an opportunity where young farmers can learn, network and lead, with a mission of providing an educational and leadership development opportunity for young and future farmers of Ontario.

The OYFF is held in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Annual Convention at the Doubletree by Hilton, Toronto Airport. Anyone age 18 to 40 interested in attending is encouraged to approach their provincial and local farm organizations that are prepared and eager to cover participant costs. Free daycare is also provided.

For more information about the 2009 Ontario Young Farmers’ Forum is available from the JFAO Office at 519-780-5326, your local Federation of Agriculture, OFA Member Service Representative or the OYFF website www.oyff.ca. The early-bird deadline is October 1, 2009, with all registrations due by November 10, 2009.

- 30 -

For Further Information, Contact Don McGugan – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 519-847-5097