PolitiKit

Discussing issues and opportunities related to Canadian agricultural trade and maintaining open communication regarding matters that may impact Ontario farmers and the agriculture sector.

Discussing concerns regarding the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, including potential impacts on agricultural land, farm operations and rural communities, and advocating for the protection of farmland and agricultural operations as the project is considered.

Tariffs on farm equipment are putting an extra burden on farmers, recommending removing these tariffs on farm equipment to lessen the burden on farmers

Discussing issues and opportunities related to Canadian agricultural trade and maintaining open communication regarding matters that may impact Ontario farmers and the agriculture sector.

Strengthen programs to help farms/farmers navigate increases in interest rates, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, trade shocks, weather shocks and/or commodity shocks

Strengthen programs to help farms/farmers navigate increases in interest rates, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, trade shocks, weather shocks and/or commodity shocks

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.

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.

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.

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.