The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is calling on Premier Dalton McGuinty to commit his government to meet the long-term needs of Ontario farmers. This action is prompted by the recent provincial budget and its failure to address agriculture’s issues.
“We want the Premier to commit to Ontario farmers, in a concrete way, that the McGuinty government will recognize and honour the province’s share for income support programs now being developed as an integral part of core funding in 2005 – 06,” says Ron Bonnett, OFA President
This budget provided little more for agriculture than a confused year-over-year comparison. “This budget is a clear example of agriculture not being considered a priority with the Provincial Government – the silence was deafening,” says Bonnett, referring to the budget statement. “The government has not instilled any confidence in an industry left reeling by years of hard times.”
OFA had hoped the May 12th Ontario budget would make a commitment to agriculture. “The industry is in the midst of a financial crisis,” Bonnett says. “When we see Stats Canada’s projection of a negative income of $194 million for Ontario agriculture in 2005, we know some serious planning has to be done for the future.”
Farmers are facing declining returns from grains and oilseeds due to global competition, BSE continues to devastate the livestock sector, and operating costs are being driven upward by government legislation and regulations. “The government needs to recognize that recent funding initiatives fall well short of solving any of these situations. The government also needs to realize that farmers want long-term solutions so they can manage their businesses,” Bonnett says.
“We acknowledge the extra-ordinary spending provided in2004, but farmers can no longer do business in Ontario based on ad-hoc assistance from year to year. Farmers need a firm commitment from Premier McGuinty to work with the industry in developing production insurance programs that work and make a commitment to support those programs in future budgets,” Bonnett concludes.
~Ron Bonnett~
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture