Members have participated in training programs as part of the organization’s new diversity, equity and inclusion policy
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has introduced a new diversity, equity and inclusion policy.
OFA president Peggy Brekveld said it is integral to making the sector more inclusive.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion matter in all aspects of our organization,” Brekveld said. “And whether it’s people in the field or people who are purchasing our products, so many different people are represented, and we want them to know that they are valued and important to our organization.”
Members of the OFA did diversity training hosted by Beef Farmers of Ontario to learn about how to make themselves and their organization more inclusive. Five members, including Brekveld, participated in the training over the course of a month.
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Brekveld said the members took a lot away from the training.
“There were conversations about what diversity is, what equity inclusion includes, conversations about privilege and what that looks like.”
Brekveld said this is just the cusp of what they learned, with even more being covered throughout the month-long training.
In a news release, Brekveld mentioned that she recognizes what you must be to fit in — white, heterosexual, and Christian — but she also knows what it’s like to be discriminated against, as a woman.
“I think that because other people encouraged me to consider coming onto the board helped drive the fact that I ran originally and became a part of it,” she said.
“I think that every person has a responsibility to look beyond those who you first think about and search out those who may not feel that they are welcome and encourage them to consider running or being part of the consultation.”
The OFA plans to use the diversity training to evaluate their policies and continue with diversity, inclusion and equity training for more people involved with OFA.
