GUELPH, ON – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province‘s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario‘s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, offers congratulations to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and our federal government.
The Liberal Party of Canada has formed a minority government and Grain Farmers of Ontario looks forward to all federal parties working together to implement much needed change for agriculture.
“The importance of agriculture to the Canadian economy, the health and prosperity of her people, and the global reputation of Canada has never been more clear. Grain farmers look to the new government to find their common ground to ensure that trade barriers are removed, new markets are opened, farm business protection programs are enacted, and environmental policy is realistic and meaningful,” said Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Agriculture in Canada is responsible for more than 800,000 jobs, and grain farming in Ontario is the foundation for 75,000 of the province‘s jobs. Grain farming is also responsible for $16 billion in economic input. This new government must find ways to clear the road blocks that are negatively impacting farm businesses and to support farmers through times of crises.
Heading into the election, Grain Farmers of Ontario had three asks:
A Trade War Fund to support farmers in non-supply managed sectors
- A Trade War Fund for grain and oilseed farmers who are suffering from global trade disputes and competition with U.S. and Canadian farmers, who are receiving government bailouts.
- Implement long-term business risk management programming that shields Ontario grain farmers from price fluctuations beyond their control.
Active defense of markets and finding new markets for grains and oilseeds
- Normalize commercial relationships with China
- Defend and invest in domestic processing and international grain markets
- Ratify CUSMA trade agreement
Climate Change Action that Makes a Difference
- Eliminate the carbon tax and implement a Clean Fuels Standard that recognizes the contribution of domestically produced corn ethanol and soy bio-diesel as low carbon alternatives.
Source : GFO