Ontario Farm Group Gearing up for Provincial Budget Talks

Ontario Federation of Agriculture Hopes to Influence 2013 Budget

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Ontario’s largest general farm organization – Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is preparing to appear before the Standing Committee on Finance to lobby on behalf of farmers interest on the next provincial budget. The committee is currently conducting hearings to lead up to the spring provincial budget.

This time around, OFA is zeroing-in on four key issues: advocating for rural infrastructure, importance of affordable and reliable energy, regulatory reform, and a provincial agriculture and food strategy. With a special focus on key issues, OFA hopes that it will enhance their discussions with the government.

The farm organization sees the budget process as an opportunity for Premier Kathleen Wynne to deliver on her promise to give more attention to agriculture and rural issues. In OFA’s weekly commentary, the organization notes that they have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Premier Wynne.

Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes $33 billion annually to the economy and supports 700,000 jobs.