Over the past few years, Ontario’s agricultural sector has been greatly impacted by a number of factors completely out of its control. Other jurisdictions, those that are directly in competition with Ontario, always seem to have programs and funding in place that allow their producers to be more competitive in today’s markets. Ontario, with its emphasis on exports, has been cautious in its approach to farm programs to avoid trade actions. And recently, the increasing deficit may make Ontario’s government and its federal counterpart even more reluctant when it comes to business risk management programming for our farm sector. But farmers cannot be counted on to buy into the argument that there is no money in the provincial coffers.
What stands out for producers, especially those in the veal, beef and pork sectors, is the reality that Ontario’s farmers are losing market share within Ontario to product coming in from other provinces. Alberta and Quebec are, for different reasons, bringing goods into Ontario’s market, displacing Ontario-grown product from the grocery store shelves. Alberta and Quebec have also implemented some decent support programs for many of their farmers.
Members of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario have never limited their concerns to farmers only. Accordingly, fiscal responsibility is always taken into consideration when farm issues are talked about. But during recent discussions regarding the proposed business risk management program, almost everyone agreed that the rising deficit should not stop the province from supporting those in the primary production sector. The government’s willingness to support the auto industry, and even e-health and the government’s contribution to Maple Leaf Gardens’ restructuring, were mentioned as reasons why farmers should not shy away from asking for government support, even in this time of deficits. Now, a costly full-time Kindergarten program will likely be added to the list.
Ontario, with its large agricultural production capacity, consumer base and access to markets, cannot afford to roll over and play dead when it comes to supporting its primary food producers, who collectively contribute tremendously to its economy. The patience of farmers is wearing thin. And in light of recent government spending, so is any excuse that deficits don’t allow targeted investments in key industries like agriculture.
Editor’s Note: Jenny Denhartog is the Field Services Associate of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. It can be heard weekly on CKNX Wingham and CFCO Chatham, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org/index.html. The CFFO is supported by 4,350 farm families across Ontario