The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is welcoming several measures announced in the 2025 provincial budget that will support farmers and rural communities, such as the Risk Management Program (RMP) and investments into rural economic development and infrastructure.

“Yesterday’s provincial budget announcement provided some good news for Ontario’s agriculture industry with positive investments that will support future economic growth for the sector,” says Drew Spoelstra, OFA President. “We appreciate the funding allocated to important programs like RMP, as well as investments in rural economic development and infrastructure. It’s a critical time to continue to invest in our rural infrastructure to ensure agriculture has the capacity to grow and drive Ontario’s economy forward.”

The following measures announced in the budget address asks around local food procurement, rural infrastructure, farmer supports and rural economic development that were part of the OFA’s pre-budget submission:

• Increased Risk Management Program funding from $150 million to $250 million annually (announced before the provincial election).
• A provision under “Trade Impacted Supports” that could allow for more Ontario-grown food procurement.
• Introduction of a “Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian” day to encourage consumers to buy local
• Funding and supports for Ontario grape growers, wineries, distilleries, cideries and microbreweries.
• A $223 billion infrastructure investment plan that includes rural roads and highspeed broadband as well as increased funding for the program that funds municipal roads and bridges that connect to provincial highways.
• Doubling of annual funding for the new Rural Ontario Development program for the next two years.
• Funding increase for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund of $30 million over three years.

The OFA will continue to advocate for investment on other key areas impacting farmers, such as a wildlife damage compensation program for crops, support for veterinary services, funding to implement the Ontario Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy, increasing the budget of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund and allocating funding for commercial truck driver training subsidies and insurance assistance.

OFA’s 2025 pre-budget consultation submission is available here: ofa.on.ca/resources/ofa-letter-to-the-provincial-government-regarding-budget-2025-submission