Cue the confetti and pop the champagne! It’s time to celebrate a momentous occasion that marks 19 years of farmland protection and conservation success with the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT). Since our inception, we’ve been on a mission to safeguard Ontario’s precious farmland, and have made some incredible strides!
Nineteen years of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have led us to this moment.
OFT was founded in 2004, emerging from a vision at a forum in 2002 hosted by the University of Guelph’s “Farmland Preservation Research Project”. From the early days through to today, we celebrate the protection of 22 properties and over 2,500 acres of Ontario’s irreplaceable farmland. It’s not just about the numbers though. It’s about the flourishing ecosystems, the habitats for endangered species, and the bountiful harvests that we have helped preserve. Together, we’ve been a driving force in policy discussions, ensuring that farmland protection remains a priority in our province. Our efforts have shaped the very fabric of farmland protection policy, cultivating a legacy we can all be proud of.
To our incredible volunteers and staff, past and present, we owe a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot express. Your unwavering dedication and hard work have been the foundation upon which OFT stands today. You have poured your hearts and souls into protecting Ontario’s farmland, and the impact of your efforts ripples through every success we celebrate. From countless hours of volunteering to sharing your expertise through public education presentations, you have shaped OFT into the vibrant organization it is today. Cheers to you all!
As we blow out the candles on our 19th birthday cake, we eagerly embrace the dawn of a new era. This year, we adopted an ambitious strategic plan that sets the stage for exciting opportunities ahead. Our plan includes innovative approaches to conservation, collaboration with like-minded organizations, and expanding our reach to protect even more farmland. With your continued support, we will sow the seeds for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration!
We’re thrilled to announce that in 2024, we will commemorate OFT’s 20th birthday in grand style. Keep your eyes peeled for more details, as the event is sure to include laughter, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to the cause we hold dear. We hope you will join us when we celebrate two decades of farmland conservation success!
In honour of OFT’s 19th birthday, we invite you to join us by making a meaningful contribution to our cause. By making a donation, you directly support the protection of Ontario’s farmland, ensuring that future generations can reap the benefits of a sustained agri-food system and a healthy environment. Let’s come together to make this birthday celebration even more special!
Nineteen years of preserving Ontario’s farmland have flown by in a whirlwind of hard work, joy, and growth. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we express our deepest appreciation for everyone who has contributed to OFT’s success—volunteers, staff, and supporters like you. Together, we have protected land, shaped policies, and built a legacy we can all be proud of. So, let’s raise a toast to the past, present, and future of the Ontario Farmland Trust, knowing that our collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us. Happy 19th birthday, OFT—here’s to many more years of growing together for a greener tomorrow!
Links:
1. https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/ProtectedFarms/
2. https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/donate/