Our Mission

JFAO provides opportunities for young people age 15-29 of all backgrounds, but especially those in rural Ontario, to take on the challenge of exploring their individual talents and potential to develop personally while being involved in bettering their communities, networking, and having fun.

JFAO’s mission is “to build future rural leaders through personal growth, travel, experiences and community betterment".

Self-directed programs and opportunities provided by JFAO and its  affiliated clubs help to develop in members a sense of social and environmental responsibility, the ability to provide effective leadership, and an awareness of good citizenship within the community and world around them.

Members across the province have the opportunity to participate in cultural exchanges with seven countries as well as attend provincial sport, cultural, and skills competitions. Leadership Camp, Communications Workshops, March Conference, Director’s Training, and the Ontario Young Farmers' Forums round out JFAO’s personal development opportunities, not including the many locally organized inter-club challenges and events. JFAO also works with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, 4-H Ontario and its own alumni to further increase the opportunities for youth in Ontario.

JFAO also operates the Ontario Century Farm recognition program, which began as a centennial project in 1967.  Thousands of farms across the province proudly display their sign!

About Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario

JFAO is a charitable organization established in 1944, originally with the support of the rural extension branch of the Ontario gov't, with a membership of approximately 10,000 at its peak. Today JFAO is funded solely through support of members, donors & sponsors, including our Gold Level partners Dairy Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Cooperators.

Anyone wishing to re-establish a Junior Farmer club in their area or learn how to join an existing club should contact the JFAO office through info@jfao.on.ca or 226-820-6137.  The only requirements are that club members age 15-29 participate in a basic program of leadership development and community service. Information on the benefits of sponsoring JFAO programs can be obtained from our website.

A copy of the 2020 JFAO Annual Report is available on our website www.jfao.on.ca More information on the history of JFAO is available in Biesenthal, Linda. “A Rural Legacy: the history of the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario.” JFAO, Guelph: 1981