Taxation, red tape and trade uncertainty are among the leading concerns for Ontario farmers, according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s 2026 General Membership Survey.
Released Wednesday, results of the survey show taxation ranked as the top issue, with 70% of respondents rating it very important and more than 90% describing it as important. Farmers also identified red tape and regulation, tariffs and trade uncertainty, energy costs and access, and rural infrastructure as major priorities they want the OFA to address.
The findings point to growing concern about the cost and complexity of doing business in agriculture, particularly as farmers contend with higher operating expenses, regulatory requirements and uncertainty in export markets.
“We hear regularly from farmers about the pressures they are facing, whether that’s rising costs, regulatory burden, uncertainty in international markets or the infrastructure their farms and rural communities depend on,” said OFA Vice President Sara Wood in a release.
“These survey results reinforce the importance of continuing to bring those issues forward with governments and decision-makers at all levels.”
Advocacy remains the main reason farmers say they belong to the OFA, followed by confidence that the organization speaks on behalf of Ontario agriculture. Members also continue to value access to tools, resources and information.
Overall satisfaction with the organization remains strong, with 81% of respondents reporting high or very high satisfaction. Members gave positive ratings to the OFA’s advocacy and lobbying, communications, leadership, industry collaboration and public-awareness efforts.
The survey also showed growing use of membership benefits, with just under half of respondents using a benefit during the past year, up from 34% in 2025.
Farmers also called for stronger local and on-farm engagement, along with more support for small, emerging and first-generation producers.
