OFA provides comments to Minister Hardeman regarding the Next Policy Framework (NFP). As a member of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), OFA supports their recommendations which have been generated and endorsed by farm organizations from across Canada. It is critical for Ontario farms to have access to a suite of well-funded Business Risk Management (BRM) programs that provide adequate and timely financial support to farmers when they experience losses due to risks beyond their control. AgriStability is a big part of BRM but this program also requires revisions. OFA recommends the Provincial government work with the Federal government to increase the compensation rate for Ontario producers to 80%.

Investment in the NPF’s strategic initiatives has not kept pace with inflation, let alone with growth in the sector or the new policy priorities associated with our industry that download considerable costs on producers. OFA believes a top priority is to invest in NPF strategic initiatives at a level commensurate with agriculture’s increased recognition as a provider of myriad public goods and services, that acknowledges the increased scale and prominence of agriculture as a strategic Canadian industry. Strategic initiatives include environmental sustainability and climate change, labour, business development and competitiveness, and public trust – certification and assurance programs. OFA prioritizes being responsive to relevant issues and OFA looks forward to working with the Ontario government to ensure the suite of BRM programs and strategic initiatives work for all Canadian and Ontario producers.