CFFO: Farmers and Farm Organizations gear up for the Growing Season

It looks like farmers may finally be headed back to the fields in many parts of the province. We are reminded that each year is full of its own challenges, as the wet, cold spring this year is fundamentally different from last year, delaying the start of the cropping season. In the meantime, CFFO and other farm organizations will be continuing to work with government on the evolving issues that impact your farm business.

On the legislative side, the potential impact of new pieces of legislation is an on-going concern. The Great Lakes Protection Act is a significant piece of legislation that has the potential to broadly impact agricultural practices in the province. Farm organizations will need to ensure that the goal of better stewardship of our resources doesn’t carry unnecessary restrictions. The Local Food Act, on the other hand, will open up opportunities for farmers interested in supplying food to Ontarians. Farm organizations will have to ensure that there will be maximum positive impact for farmers under this new act.

On the regulatory side, farm organizations will continue to place efforts into the Open for Business process to reduce unnecessary red tape. Furthermore, CFFO will continue to focus on supporting efforts to increase the number of options greenhouse growers have when dealing with water concerns. Finally, the CFFO is concerned about the impact that full-cost recovery directives for the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources will have for farmers. The recent eco-fee increase on tires is just the first example of the impact this change could have for farmers.

There is no doubt that unanticipated challenges will arise in the summer ahead. Whether it is drought in part of the province or a tornado causing damage, the weather could have a serious impact on farmers’ crops that will require government assistance. Or it is possible that an isolated incident in one area of the province may expand into a serious issue for all of agriculture. It is critical that local farmers pass these concerns along to their organizations.

The CFFO would like to wish all our farmers a blessed and prosperous growing season. While you are growing the crops and raising the animals that keep people fed throughout the year, the CFFO and other organizations will continue to work on your behalf to ensure that farming in Ontario is prosperous while farmers act as proper stewards of the creation they interact with everyday.

Source: CFFO