OFA has provided comments to the provincial government through the budget 2025 consultation process. OFA has recommended the following investments to support Ontario’s agriculture sector:
- Increase Risk Management Program funding by $100 million annually.
- Tackle Agricultural Labour Shortages
- Introduce a Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for crop producers.
- Invest $1.6 million annually for the Veterinary Assistance Program (VAP) and $480 million annually to operate and maintain provincial and municipal veterinary clinics.
- Develop clear public sector procurement guidelines to prioritize Ontario-grown food.
- Maintain funding to implement the Ontario Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy.
- Invest $1.5 Billion in Rural and Social Infrastructure.
- Increase annual Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) funding to $875 million annually
- Expand the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program to $8 million in annual funding.
- Allocate $10 million for commercial truck driver training subsidies and $3 million for insurance assistance.
OFA believes that these investments would provide greater stability for farmers in these uncertain times, while also offering opportunities for growth in the Ontario’s agriculture sector and rural communities.