Guelph, ON – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province‘s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, has released its election priorities asking the next provincial government to commit to the growth of Ontario‘s grains and oilseed industry.
“Ontario grain farmers have the solution to many of the world problems we face that include food security, low carbon alternatives and post pandemic economic recovery,” said Brendan Byrne, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We need the incoming government to commit to our key policy priorities to protect our $18 billion industry that supplies world-class goods, supports employment and fuels economic growth in our communities.”
Grain of Farmers Ontario‘s election priorities support Ontario‘s grain farmers and their vital work growing crops that keep local and global food supply secure and feed populations around the world. The priorities also ensure farmers will receive adequate financial support during difficult times, opportunities to invest in climate friendly innovation and help secure the wide-reaching beneficial growth of the industry:
• Address Supply Chain Issues and the Escalating Costs of Crop Inputs
To sustain our food supply, our sector needs government support to address the escalating costs of fertilizer and assist in finding new sources for the future.
• Increase Risk Management Program Funding by $100 Million – Given the unpredictability of the last two years, we need stronger risk management programs to remain competitive and secure domestic food security.
• Provide Relief on Carbon Pricing For Grain Drying – Until a proven alternative to fuel-fired grain-drying can be found, we need the flexibility to invest in proven climate-smart technologies.
• Accelerate the Use of Grain-Based Renewable Fuels – Increasing the amount of corn ethanol in gasoline and soy renewable diesel in diesel required by the Clean Fuels Regulation will not only lower the carbon footprint of transportation fuels but support local economies and create new opportunities for grain farmers.
• Invest in the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus – Investing in agricultural research will help secure domestic food security and support the next generation of sustainable farming in Ontario.
• Create New Growth Opportunities for Farmers – There are many parts to the agricultural value chain in Ontario. To create jobs and grow our sector, we need government to invest in grains and oilseed processing.
Grain Farmers of Ontario, in collaboration with RealAgriculture, are conducting interviews with each party and will be sharing this recording on social media in the coming weeks.
Source : GFO