Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) wants their members’ opinion on four distinct future scenarios the agricultural industry could experience by the year 2032.
“These scenarios will assist Grain Farmers of Ontario with planning research investments, long-term crop management practices and predicting product quality expectations to maximize market returns for farmers,” said Barry Senft, CEO.
It will also provide a thought process for farmers to think about how they may need to start positioning their own farming operations for the future.
By creating these four scenarios, GFO hopes to better understand where farmers today see themselves in 20 years and determine how the organization can better position itself for success.
Peering two decades into the future requires radical thinking. Envision the year 2032 and agriculture in Ontario has experienced big changes.
One possibility is for the first time in recent history the developed countries of the world, including Canada, are facing serious food shortages and many items we expect to be on our shelves are no longer there.
How will farmers prepare for this potential new future? Is it even plausible?
GFO, along with accounting and business advisory firm MNP, has created the scenarios that outline different possible futures along with what we estimate to be the most plausible outcomes.
These scenarios for the future will fall under different categories or “drivers of change” identified by the board, staff and representatives from the industry – topics include: technology, the urban/rural relationship, immigration, global demand and the global economy, public expectations of sustainability and the environment, changing consumers wants and needs, public policy and regulations and innovation.
“Now it is our members’ turn,” says Senft. “We have described the future under four different scenarios and are hoping each grain farmer in Ontario will take the time to tell us whether they are plausible and what each possible future will look like on their farms.”
GFO appreciates farmer support and participation in filling out the survey available at www.take-survey.com/mnp/GFOscenarioplanning.htm using the password “future.” To complete the survey by phone contact the GFO office at 1-800-265-0550 to request a mailed copy.
Interim results will be discussed at the Grain Farmers of Ontario January district meetings to plan for further discussion and input.
