Submitted by: OSCIA Provincial office

While the ongoing pandemic has thrown many obstacles in our path, OSCIA does not give up, we adapt. OSCIA continues to be a leader in producer education, program delivery, and consumer outreach, all provided on an at-cost basis. Although we cannot currently operate in the same ways (i.e. in-person), we have shown our resiliency as an organization by pressing forward in a virtual setting. We want to commend our members on their resiliency and provide a reminder of why a membership at OSCIA provides so much value.

Here are 9 sound reasons to be a member of OSCIA:

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. Despite current restrictions, we have been able to continue offering peer-to-peer learning opportunities through virtual meetings, conferences, and events. 

Educational Workshops – In addition to workshops supported through specific programs (e.g. EFP), OSCIA delivers clinics and outdoor classrooms for learning. The large events held in 2019 in Elgin and Dundas Counties are excellent examples that demonstrated the causes of compaction and what can be done in equipment and tire design to control it. The field day at Huronview demonstration farm in 2019 is another terrific example that showcased innovative tile drainage systems.

Grants – Available exclusively to local and regional associations to support membership engagement activities and applied research. The Regional Communication grant that helps support regional communication coordinator activities, and the Tier One grants that assist with peer learning opportunities are great examples.

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 innovative research findings to members and the broader farm community through The Innovator quarterly newsletter, OSCIA website, News & Views, videos, Crop Advances, and presentations at events such as Ontario Agriculture Conference and Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show to give farmers the tools needed to effectively seek-test-adopt best management practices.

Discounts – Members enjoy discounted rates for farm show events/conferences and can receive 10 percent discounts on soil testing through participating labs.

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 (e.g. Greenbelt Foundation support to Golden Horseshoe Region SCIA, SNAPP support to Parry Sound- East Nipissing SCIA, and East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation support for Agricultural lime project by Algoma SCIA).

Personal Development – Local and regional associations rely on volunteers and with additional resources provided from the provincial organization, offer 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. 

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.

This image highlights the province-wide benefits of being an OSCIA member; there are many additional benefits unique to your area. Stay in touch with your local association to find out more about what is happening in your county or district.