Ontario farmers struggle with increased fuel costs

Jun 08, 2022

Affordability is one of the most important issues facing voters ahead of the June 2nd election.

While housing makes up a large part of the discussion, gas prices and the price of food are also key in our day-to-day lives. And the two are closely linked.

Peggy Brekveld, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture tells us farmers have been hit hard by the surge in the price of gas.

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Brekveld says to avoid increasing prices more than need be, farmers eat some of the costs.

She added fuel costs go hand in hand with how they grow food.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.