Written by: OSCIA provincial office
We would like to inform you of the upcoming membership fee increase that will take effect October 1, 2022, for the 2023 memberships. This fee has not been increased for many years, and it has been determined by the Board of Directors to be necessary at this time to ensure the future financial stability of the organization. The Board of Directors passed a motion to raise the portion of the membership fee that goes to the provincial organization from $7.50 to $25.00. “It is important to recognize that we have seen this coming,” says Chad Anderson, OSCIA President, on the fee increase. He goes on to say that we have done our best to be transparent and consider all
options available. We are working with our local and regional SCIAs to make this process a smooth transition.
Anderson emphasizes that OSCIA, as part of our strategic plan, has been working to increase revenue and reduce costs. One of the biggest changes OSCIA made to address this is our office move to 1-367 Woodlawn Rd. providing substantial savings to the association. The association is working on additional cost saving measures and has also been investigating other ways to generate income, including developing opportunities for supporting partners to invest in our many grassroots activities.
Anderson points out, “The provincial portion of the membership fees have been kept low for many years. As a not-for-profit organization, we simply cannot continue to operate at a bare bones level and still support association activities without creating a deficit. We had to make the decision to increase the membership fee.” Anderson adds that “It is a difficult thing to do, but it is the responsible thing, because if the provincial association cannot function and stand on its own feet, then the grassroots face uncertainty as well.”
Anderson goes on to explain that it is the provincial network that makes us even stronger. Being a legal entity provides our local/regional associations with appropriate insurance coverage, opens the door for grant opportunities, and generally helps to keep things in order with comprehensive support for the grassroots. The association depends on financial resources to pay for that insurance; as well as contribute to staffing positions to support and guide local associations, help them build connections, and assist them through challenges. Membership fees are vital to providing these resources to our local/regional associations.
There is substantial value in what the provincial OSCIA provides its members. We hope everyone at the county/district level sees and appreciates the value, and continues to to be supportive of the work that can be done across Ontario by renewing their membership with OSCIA.
Here are just some of the benefits of a soil and crop membership:
Peer to Peer Learning – Guest speakers, twilight tours, demonstration projects, bus tours and annual meetings provide excellent networking opportunities to share progressive ideas with other farmers in your area.
Educational Workshops – In addition to workshops supported through specific programs (e.g. EFP), OSCIA delivers clinics and outdoor classrooms for learning.
Grants – Available exclusively to local and regional associations to support membership engagement activities and applied research.
Support – The provincial organization provides coverage to all local and regional associations for commercial general liability and director & officer insurance, and can provide the legal backing to allow local and regional associations to apply for outside funding to support special projects.
A Voice – OSCIA appoints representatives to participate on relevant research and standing committees in Ontario agriculture, providing a meaningful opportunity to influence investigations and policy on soil, water, air and crop issues.
Applied Research – Farmer-driven, applied research trials offer independent evaluation of new technology and management techniques that can improve productivity and profitability. These trials are delivered with expert guidance from OMAFRA and supported by members and agri-business.
Knowledge Transfer – Sharing technologies and research findings to members and the broader farm community through: The Innovator our quarterly newsletter, OSCIA website, Grassroots Matters our weekly e-blast, Crop Advances, and presentations at various agriculture events.
Discounts – Members enjoy discounted rates for farm show events/conferences and can receive 10 percent discounts on soil testing through participating labs.
Personal Development – Local/regional associations rely on volunteers. Being part of your local association offers the chance for individuals to develop and exercise valuable leadership skills that could offer opportunities at the provincial Board level, and serve a lifetime of community service.
The association genuinely appreciates the tremendous support provided through OMAFRA for our grants offered to local/regional groups, but additional funding is not always available. The association needs to take the necessary steps to keep our financial house in order, and the increase in the provincial portion of the membership fee is one step in ensuring future stability of the organization.