Strengthen programs to help farms/farmers navigate increases in interest rates, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, trade shocks, weather shocks and/or commodity shocks wildlife damage and compensation. Ontario farmers constantly face livestock and crop damage from wildlife. Compensation programs are important to farmers who deal with the loss of livestock and crops because of wildlife. Planning for housing affordability and responsible long term land use. Developing and implementing policies that limit the loss of agricultural land, intensify residential development in Ontarios existing footprint, and encourage smart growth and development that will meet the current and future needs of Ontarians and they provincial economy. Labour shortages. Addressing unfilled vacancies and shortages in the agriculture industry. Finding solutions and working to develop strategies to fill vacancies. Improving rural infrastructure and services. This means continued and expanded investments into rural roads and bridges, high speed internet and reliable cellular services, and affordable energy. It also means increased social infrastructure including schools, healthcare and community hubs that will attract workers and their families to rural Ontario and help alleviate critical labour shortages. Food security and food supply chain. encourage the procurement of locally grown food across the public sector to strengthen and enhance Ontarios food supply chain and provinicial economy. Farm property tax. OFA continues to push for legislative changes that will improve the transparency of assessment and taxation of Ontario farm properties. Farm and road safety. Discussions surrounding the importance of keeping farmers, employees, families and everyone on the farm team safe. On the farm and on the road. Environment and climate change. Climate change is a global challenge and impacts Ontario farmers. OFA is working with government to recognize climate changes current and pending impact on Ontario farm businesses, the importance of adaptation within the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change, and to provide research and investments to help farmers adapt. Energy: rural Ontario needs affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to fuel growth and keep businesses economically viable, including electricity, natural gas and alternative energy options. We advocate to continue expansion of natural gas lines in rural, northern and remote communities. Boosting rural economic development. Foster economic development in all areas of Ontario by supporting more Agri-tourism and local food offerings in our communities, which in turn will create jobs. This includes, for example, encouraging the broader public sector, such as long term care facilities and educational institutions, to include more locally grown food products in their purchasing decisions.