Teresa’s Summer Update

Aug 27, 2024

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.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.