Teresa, our summer Communications and Community Engagement Assistant, has created a blog post detailing her time working to support OFT’s mission! Read all about her experience below.
With a background in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and a passion for community and storytelling, I was thrilled to join OFT this summer as their Communications and Community Engagement Assistant.
While much of my work with OFT was spent behind a screen, I explored how to best serve our community through our communication efforts. The OFT staff were incredibly supportive, helping me navigate the intricacies of farmland conservation, administration, and effective communications. One highlight was assisting with the execution of OFT’s 20th-anniversary celebration, which took us all to GoodLot. There, I witnessed the dedication of those who have amplified farmland protection in Ontario. It was a refreshing change of scenery from my home office, and I felt proud to contribute to this important movement, no matter the scale of my role.
I also had the opportunity to apply my design and visual communication skills in OFT’s Flavours of Farmland campaign. This experience allowed me to connect with farmers across southern Ontario, where I was inspired by the diverse soil, and commodities that Ontario’s farmland offers. I’ve always been passionate about food and access to local food because I believe that nothing sustains us better than what is rooted in the places where we live, work, and grow. Connecting with farmers and empowering both them and consumers to support our local economies and food systems has been incredibly meaningful to me.
I’m excited to continue supporting OFT and the protection of farmland in every way I can!