Ontario Farmers Call for Fair Support

Mar 26, 2025
By Farms.com

Farmers demand fair trade, tax relief, and export support

Grain farmers in Ontario, who play a major role in Canada's economy, are calling on federal candidates to prioritize agriculture in upcoming elections. Representing over 28,000 farmers growing barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat, the Grain Farmers of Ontario has outlined updated federal policy recommendations focusing on trade, taxation, and market development.

Grain farming supports more than 91,000 jobs in Ontario and generates over $27 billion in economic output for the country. It also contributes more than $2 billion in government revenue. Recognizing this impact, the organization is urging candidates to support policies that reflect the essential role of agriculture.

Key demands include maintaining tariff-free trade between Canada and the U.S., ensuring critical farming inputs remain free of tariffs, and protecting exports from trade barriers. The organization also seeks direct return of any tariffs collected from Ontario grain farmers.

In terms of taxation, the group wants farming to be exempt from the carbon tax and the proposed increase to the Capital Gains Inclusion Rate. They also recommend reinstating previous investment incentive programs and maintaining the pause on trust rule changes that impact farms.

To strengthen market stability, the organization is pushing for 60% funding of the Risk Management Program (RMP) and equal support to that provided to U.S. farmers. They also want the government to remove fertilizer tariffs and support low-carbon fuel markets like corn-based ethanol.

Additional requests include increasing Advance Payments Program funding limits, directing investment into renewable fuel markets, and restoring research and plant breeding support in Eastern Canada.

“Agriculture is consistently one of Canada’s top two industries and it's time for government to acknowledge that by supporting the future of farming with forward-looking policy that keeps Canada a top 10 food exporter for the world. Farmers are innovative, passionate, and resilient and we want a government that not only acknowledges that, we want one that goes to work for farmers and works with us to ensure our food system is secure for all generations to come,” said Jeff Harrison, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario.

For more details, visit: gfo.ca/government-relations/federal-priorities.
Photo Credit: gfo-logo

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