OFA Unanimously Welcomes FCF as a Commodity Organization Member
OFA membership confirms agriculture alignment
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has formally welcomed the Federation of Cannabis Farmers (FCF) as an Agricultural and Commodity Organization member. The OFA Board of Directors reviewed the request at the October board meeting and all the directors present voted and approved the application unanimously.
OFA is a farmer-led organization working to represent Ontario agriculture through its mission, Farms & Food Forever. OFA supports the interests of over 40,000 farm family members, agricultural and commodity organizations, and associate members. OFA work spans priority issues that impact farm viability and growth, including trade, labour, land use, and reducing red tape that limits farm operations.
This milestone matters for cannabis farming in Ontario. OFA recognition places FCF inside an established farm policy and resource network, strengthens cross-commodity credibility, and expands access to agriculture-focused relationships that can support Health Canada licenced producers.
Outcomes of FCF joining OFA
- Access to OFA resources and information relevant to Ontario farm operations
- Opportunities to provide input and feedback during OFA policy development and review
- Additional networking and participation in education and agriculture advocacy efforts
- A dedicated liaison structure to support consistent communication between organizations
- Eligibility to send a representative to OFA Policy Advisory Council meetings
- Four voting delegates for OFA’s Annual General Meeting and convention in November 2025
Liaison support for FCF members
OFA assigned two direct resources for FCF and its membership:
- Larry Davis, OFA Director, Zone 3: Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk, FCF Director Liaison,
- Duncan Goetze, OFA Staff Liaison and Farm Policy Analyst
Larry Davis brings long-standing board experience and practical insight that connects Ontario agriculture priorities with emerging farm sectors, including cannabis farming. Duncan Goetze brings policy capacity that supports member questions tied to municipal zoning, policies, and by-laws, an area that often affects cannabis operations across farm licence classes.
What this milestone means for Ontario producers
FCF membership under the OFA banner supports a stronger agriculture footing for cannabis farming. It also supports producer participation in Ontario agriculture policy discussions through structured channels, including OFA’s Policy Advisory Council and the AGM delegate process.
This progress strengthens FCF's broader goal of aligning cannabis farming with established agricultural commodities through ethical governance, consistent representation, and practical policy input.
Conclusion
I want to thank OFA for the unanimous approval and the welcome extended to FCF. Thank you to Drew Spoelstra, Cathy Lennon, Duncan Goetze, Larry Davis, the OFA Board of Directors and OFA staff. This recognition supports Ontario cannabis farmers through stronger agriculture alignment, clearer policy participation opportunities, and direct liaison support. The work ahead will focus on using these resources responsibly to strengthen FCF's representation in Canadian agriculture.
