By Tom Collins
FLORENCE — Getting the next generation of farmers involved in the National Farmers Union — Ontario (NFU-O) is one of the top priorities for its newest president.
Western Ontario cash cropper Emery Huszka said the NFU-O is suffering from the same problem inflicting many community groups: an aging population and a shrinking number of members and volunteers. Huszka said OMAFRA numbers show that there will be five per cent fewer farmers in the next 10 years as some farmers retire and others are considering selling while land prices are high.
“How do we cultivate a succession plan for not only the farms themselves but for farm leadership?” asked the 45-year-old Huszka. “Step one is you step up. Help a family farm be the ideal method of producing food in this province and across the country.”
The NFU-O has 1,350 members.
