BFO SUPPORTS ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY ADVOCATING FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION IN THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) joins with those in our community who are calling for an end to systemic racism, as well as discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation, gender, religion and ability (visible and invisible), and linguistic discrimination. BFO is committed to advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion within the beef industry and the broader agri-food sector, and fighting racism and discrimination in all its forms. Our commitment comes following
that has taken us time to build and to
The BFO Board of Directors and staff are
many discussions at the board level
ensure we got it right, recognizing and
actively looking at our own organization
over the past several months with
acknowledging this commitment is not
and current activities to see where we
respect to the lack of agricultural voices
a one-time thing. It is a starting point for
can do better and how we can weave
speaking up against racial inequality
what needs to be a continually evolving
education and advocacy around diversity,
and discrimination. There were concerns
conversation and effort, and ultimately
equity and inclusion into existing activities
raised that agriculture will be left behind
a culture shift within the industry. These
and programing. We are also looking at
and out of touch with our consumers if
are more than just words on a page; they
other ideas, initiatives, organizations or
our voices aren’t used to speak up on
represent alignment and a commitment
activities to support or partner on to put
these important social issues.
to future action at our highest level.
our commitment into action. BFO’s full
We recognize the beef sector is not
Recognizing the need to develop from
always a diverse industry, particularly at
within, we are focusing on advocacy and
the farmer and association level. Further
education within the organization and its
along our supply chain, however, there
activities and among the membership.
is a great amount of diversity among
There are a number of ways in which we
the people dedicated to ensuring
are committed to development. Please
As we listen and learn, our commitments
our product makes it to the tables of
see our official statement graphic on the
and actions will continue to develop over
consumers. Likewise, our consumers are
following page for details on what our
time as we work to evolve the culture
another integral and incredibly diverse
specific commitments are.
within the beef industry and broader
group from all walks of life. We feel it is important to be a voice, build bridges, listen, learn, and support all members of our community.
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BFO will also continue to strongly support community organizations like Feed Ontario, AgScape and 4-H that we know provide important service, support,
The result of our discussions, research
education and programing to diverse
and reflection is a statement of values
communities all across the province.
BFO ANNUAL REPORT 2021
statement of values on diversity, equity and inclusion can be found on the BFO website, and the page will be updated and built upon as we learn, evolve, and put our words into action.
agri-food sector to be more welcoming to and supportive of all members of our communities. In the meantime, if you have questions or if you have thoughts or ideas on actions to consider or areas for improvement, please connect with us.
