Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Discussed alto train and its impact on agriculture with respect to farmland loss and impact on current farms. Discussions with government officials regarding Temporary Foreign Workers Act, specifically discussing the importance of Temporary foreign workers to both primary agriculture and the agriculture processing sector.

We are lobbying for the protection of farm land and the right to continue to farm with free trade within our country and also with foreign countries.

Discussions with government officials regarding Temporary Foreign Workers Act, specifically discussing the importance of Temporary foreign workers to both primary agriculture and the agriculture processing sector.

Species at Risk Act - Environment and Climate Change Canada. Environmental management of endangered species regulations and policies that affect farmers' normal farm practices Railway Right of Way Control Regulations. Securing farmer access to right of way. Pest Control Products Act, regulations and programs. To ensure improvement in regulatory framework and ease of access to crop protection products for farmers. Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. Mitigating impact on farm operators for incidental take. International trade (WTO and bilateral agreements) to ensure improvement in export access for food products and the protection of domestic markets from unfair competition Growing Forward - Canada's 5 year agricultural policy governing farm income programs, environmental programs and innovation to ensure Ontario farmers enjoy an internationally competitive environment. Fisheries Act and regulations associated with - Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Environmental programming on the protection of water courses from spills or degradation from farming practices with regards its impact on farm practices and farmer liability Federal Budget. Reveiw of prorgams and policies affecting spending on farm programs (Growing Forward), including farm income programs and environmental spending. Excise Tax Act in respect of the elimination of excise taxes from farm fuels to provide some price relief for the farm fuels input costs

Communicating with officials about the temporary foreign worker program as it relates to admissibility requirements and creating a carve-out specific to the Agriculture industry. Communicate with officials regarding the maintaining of supply management to keep our agricultural sector strong Communicate with officials regarding issues around CFIA policies that may hinder the agricultural industry Communicate with officials regarding agricultural trade issues

Strengthen programs to help farms/farmers navigate increases in interest rates, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, trade shocks, weather shocks and/or commodity shocks wildlife damage and compensation. Ontario farmers constantly face livestock and crop damage from wildlife. Compensation programs are important to farmers who deal with the loss of livestock and crops because of wildlife. Planning for housing affordability and responsible long term land use. Developing and implementing policies that limit the loss of agricultural land, intensify residential development in Ontario’s existing footprint, and encourage smart growth and development that will meet the current and future needs of Ontarians and they provincial economy. Labour shortages. Addressing unfilled vacancies and shortages in the agriculture industry. Finding solutions and working to develop strategies to fill vacancies. Improving rural infrastructure and services. This means continued and expanded investments into rural roads and bridges, high speed internet and reliable cellular services, and affordable energy. It also means increased social infrastructure including schools, healthcare and community hubs that will attract workers and their families to rural Ontario and help alleviate critical labour shortages. Food security and food supply chain. encourage the procurement of locally grown food across the public sector to strengthen and enhance Ontario’s food supply chain and provinicial economy. Farm property tax. OFA continues to push for legislative changes that will improve the transparency of assessment and taxation of Ontario farm properties. Farm and road safety. Discussions surrounding the importance of keeping farmers, employees, families and everyone on the farm team safe. On the farm and on the road. Environment and climate change. Climate change is a global challenge and impacts Ontario farmers. OFA is working with government to recognize climate change’s current and pending impact on Ontario farm businesses, the importance of adaptation within the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change, and to provide research and investments to help farmers adapt. Energy: rural Ontario needs affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to fuel growth and keep businesses economically viable, including electricity, natural gas and alternative energy options. We advocate to continue expansion of natural gas lines in rural, northern and remote communities. Boosting rural economic development. Foster economic development in all areas of Ontario by supporting more Agri-tourism and local food offerings in our communities, which in turn will create jobs. This includes, for example, encouraging the broader public sector, such as long term care facilities and educational institutions, to include more locally grown food products in their purchasing decisions.