OFA has provided recommendations to the Minister of Finance and to the Procedural Services Branch through Ontario’s 2026 pre-budget consultation process. OFA has proposed the following investments to support Ontario’s agriculture sector:
- Establish a dedicated Ontario Agri-Food Processing Growth Fund to expand in-province processing capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on U.S. processing paired with complementary acceleration of the Risk Management Program increase to ensure a strong viable agriculture and food sector.
- Strengthen and modernize Foodland Ontario ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2027, aligning it with the province’s Protect Ontario “buy local” objectives and expanding partnerships and digital outreach.
- Modernize the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program and extend wildlife damage compensation to crop losses that are not effectively addressed through current programs.
- Fully implement and resource Agricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) with clear provincial guidance, training, and a streamlined review process to protect farmland in planning and development decisions.
OFA believes these proposed investments will ensure the agri-food sector continues to thrive. These measures will provide stability for farmers facing mounting uncertainties while unleashing the sector’s immense economic potential.