GUELPH ON – Rising costs and political and economic uncertainty are slowing Ontario farm business growth, according to the latest Farm Business Confidence Survey conducted by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).
Compared to the previous year, Ontario farmers are focusing on maintaining the status quo and dialing back expansion and investment in their farm businesses. They’re also less confident in the sector’s outlook than they were a year ago.
Respondents also indicated little change in their top two policy priorities overall, once again ranking reducing farm taxes as the top issue affecting their business, followed by supporting farmers with energy costs. Rounding out the top three this year is protecting the right of property access, dropping last year’s third spot priority – encouraging Ontarians to buy local food – into fourth place. In Northern Ontario, compensation for wildlife damage continues to rank as a leading priority.
“Feedback from our members is important to help guide the OFA’s priorities and activities, and these survey results confirm our ongoing focus on key issues like farm business profitability and rural infrastructure support,” says OFA President Drew Spoelstra. “With the provincial election currently underway, it’s an ideal time for our members to bring these issues to the attention of candidates on the campaign trail and help shine a spotlight of agricultural and rural issues.”
OFA will be releasing results in a webinar to be hosted on February 20 from noon to 1 pm by senior policy analyst Ben Lefort. Registration is available online here.
Source : OFA