Guelph, Ontario—Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, congratulates the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and leader Doug Ford in winning a majority government on February 27. Grain Farmers of Ontario also extends congratulations to all MPPs on their election wins, including Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, who served as the minister of agriculture in the last Ford government.
“Grain Farmers of Ontario looks forward to working with the Progressive Conservative government to set policy that helps farmers thrive in these uncertain times,” says Jeff Harrison, chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We congratulate Premier Ford and his government on this election, and we also look forward to the $100 million investment into the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) that was announced in January being finalized. The potential tariff situation is concerning to farmers, and we welcome Premier Ford’s commitment to fighting on behalf of Ontario against any negative impacts of these tariffs.”
In the run-up to the election, Grain Farmers of Ontario had highlighted key areas that the province needs to work on, including:
- Ongoing support for Ontario’s RMP.
- Keeping Ontario grain farmers competitive by protecting markets & imports of farm inputs.
- Accelerating the use of grain-based renewable fuels.
- Providing relief on carbon tax for grain drying.
- Reducing red tape and investing in grain & oilseed processing.
- Reducing red tape and costs of trucking farm products.
- Reviewing the reach of conservation authorities.
- Prohibiting municipalities from charging stormwater fees on agricultural properties.
- Increasing investment in research and innovation.
“A focus on the RMP and the other Grain Farmers of Ontario priorities will help strengthen the Ontario economy and position Ontario’s grain farmers for success,” continues Harrison.
Source : GFO