Balancing our energy and food security needs

By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The demand for energy is growing in Ontario, as is the need for reliable supply and infrastructure that will provide sustainable, affordable options and accommodate growth across all sectors of the economy, including the agri-food sector.

Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector is not only a cornerstone of our province’s economy, but also a critical part of our identity and our future. We produce more than 200 different farm and food products that sustain our communities, fuel our rural economies, and provide jobs for 11 per cent of Ontario’s work force.

With an annual contribution of over $50 billion to Ontario’s economy, the agri-food sector is undeniably one of the most significant drivers of economic prosperity in our province, which is a key reason the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has long been advocating for affordable and reliable energy options. This is particularly true for rural Ontario, which is where so much of our food, fuel, fibre and flower production takes place.

That’s why, as a farmer and president of the OFA, I was pleased be part of an event this past week where the provincial government announced a new energy procurement framework for Ontario. It will take a mix of all types of energy generation infrastructure to meet the growing demand for reliable, affordable and sustainable power, and this plan focuses on a diverse supply mix that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables, natural gas and biomass.