The fifth annual Farm Transition Appreciation Day (FTADay) will take place on Thursday January 9, 2025 under the theme "Legacy in Motion."Farm Transition Appreciation Day was created by Farm Management Canada (FMC) to encourage and celebrate the progress Canada’s farmers are making to secure the future of farming. It is a groundswell movement to motivate farmers to start, restart, and keep going on their farm transition journey.FMC promotes the day to share stories and advice through a national campaign using social media, agricultural media and hosting learning events across Canada to encourage farmers. This year's theme celebrates the dynamic role of farmers in building a sustainable and thriving future for Canadian agriculture, rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.FTADay is a celebration, and a call to action. The New Year is a good time to reflect on the positive steps farmers have taken to secure their farming legacy and help ensure the continuity of Canada’s agricultural excellence through effective planning.Farm Management Canada offers five farm transition planning tips:Start the conversation about farm transition at least 10 years before the transfer is set to take place to allow sufficient time for everyone to prepare and adjustHold a formal meeting involving everyone to identify and harmonise the family and business vision and goals in writingEstablish a clear and mutually agreed on transition timeline between the current owners and successors to reduce uncertainty about the future of the farm and everyone’s role within itPrepare a formal written farm transition plan that can be shared, referenced and reviewed on a regular basisHire a coach or transition planning facilitator to help keep your transition planning on track.Farmers, industry organisations, agribusinesses, governments and agricultural media across the country are encouraged to share their farm transition success stories, tips, resources and tools to create a coast-to-coast buzz around farm transition:Highlight FTADay through your websites, social media, industry publications and other communication channelsShare and help amplify farm transition success stories, and helpful tips, resources and toolsHost virtual or in-person events for your members, clients and communityFollow and mention Farm Management Canada and use #FTADay2025 to be part of the conversation.Farm Management Canada wants to hear farmers' stories of what they're doing and promote their FTADay activities. To get started, visit https://fmc-gac.com/ftaday for information and easy-to-use resources to get involved.Based in Ottawa, Farm Management Canada is uniquely devoted exclusively to the development and delivery of advanced business management information, tools and resources to position Canada's farmers for sustainable growth and prosperity. Programs and activities by the non-profit organisation are made possible through sponsors and supporters. FMC can be reached at info@fmc-gac.com.
