I was proud to partner with the Ottawa Federation of Agriculture to bring fellow City Councillors, senior managers, and key staff on a farm tour in Osgoode Ward. This wasn’t just any tour—it was an opportunity to bridge the gap between urban, suburban, and rural perspectives and to highlight the critical role agriculture plays in our city as well as highlight some of the unique issues we face in our rural area.

Our first stop was Raats Goat Dairy Farm in Metcalfe, where we toured the milking parlour, met the goats, and learned about the growing goat dairy sector in Ottawa. It was a hands-on look at how milk collected  within our local farming community translates into food on our shelves.

At Vernon Valley Farms in Osgoode, a multi-generational family operation, we explored cutting-edge seed technology and the future of cash crop farming. We also shared a lunch that brought together foods, beverages, and services sourced from across rural Ottawa – an experience that reflected the strength, collaboration, and economic impact of our agricultural sector.

We wrapped up at SunTech Greenhouses in Manotick, where we saw how sustainable farming practices are advancing local food production and contributing to food security in the nation’s capital.

Creating opportunities like this matters. For many, it was a first-hand look at the scale, innovation, and importance of agriculture in Ottawa. Rural communities are not on the margins – they are central to our city’s economy, resilience, and identity.

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Paul Mussell and Brent Taylor, and to the Ottawa Federation of Agriculture for their partnership in making this tour possible. I’m also grateful to Emily Raats and Wilfred Raats, Greg Millard and Grant Millard (and the entire Vernon Valley Farm team), as well as Devon Allin, Ben Allin, and Corinne Turansky for their exceptional generosity, insight, and hospitality. Your willingness to open your farm operations and share your knowledge made this a truly impactful and memorable experience for everyone.