OFA provided comments to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) regarding the Rural Economic Development Strategy consultation. OFA is pleased to see recognition of the untapped economic opportunities available in Ontario’s rural areas.
- OFA asserts that affordable natural gas, high-speed broadband internet and well-maintained bridges and road infrastructure are essential to economic growth in rural areas.
- OFA believes that complete communities, with attainable housing, schools, education, childcare, quality job opportunities, and a strong local food sector will ensure that rural Ontario can attract the best and brightest workforce into their communities.
- OFA encourages the provincial government to restore OMAFRA staff to full capacity in the Community Economic Development unit so they can continue their integral work.
- OFA proposes an increase to the funding envelope for the Rural Economic Development program.
- OFA also recommends targeted support and funding for:
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- business diversification and expansion along the local agri-food value chain;
- projects that support utilization of online platforms that can expand market access for agri-food businesses to more Ontarians;
- agritourism, ecotourism and culinary tourism businesses seeking assistance to expand and diversify their offerings; and
- AgScape and their ongoing commitment to promote opportunities for careers in agriculture within schools.
OFA urges the Ontario government to continue to protect farmland while supporting the agri-food businesses that are growing and feeding our communities and strengthening the Ontario economy.