​By Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Behind every agricultural policy decision, there are real people affected. Real farmers.
Near the end of 2019, the provincial government announced critical changes to how processing tomatoes and carrots are marketed in Ontario. The announcement has significant ramifications for growers and processors in the province, but it seems that processors have been given the upper hand in the new contract negotiation process.
On December 11, 2019, Minister Hardeman released a statement outlining changes to the processing vegetable system. In amending Regulation 440, Hardeman states that they have “created a system for carrots and tomatoes with flexibility to let growers and processors work together, and to let the growers of each processor decide how they want to proceed” with contract negotiations.
It sounds conciliatory, but in fact, the changes remove the collective bargaining power of processing vegetable growers in Ontario. It creates an environment where the grower’s representative board, Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers’ (OPVG), will no longer have the ability to represent growers in negotiations, or to enforce contracts. It basically removes a tool from the farmer’s toolbox.
The changes beg the following questions – how will farmers be able to ensure that contracts are paid as negotiated? How does appointing processor representation to a grower’s negotiation committee help balance the negotiations?
Real people, real farmers with livelihoods and businesses on the line are asking.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) shares the concern of many in this sector about the ramifications of this decision.
OFA supports the OPVG position that the new regulations will devastate Ontario farm families. OPVG Chair Dave Hope stated in a December 17 statement that “the largest impact is a reduction in collective bargaining power being removed from the growers’ elected representatives and handed to the processors.”
OFA values the process of organized, collective marketing and the inherent value it brings to our agri-food sector. We are concerned that, although Minister Hardeman states that he consulted extensively with stakeholders, the needs of growers appears to have been ignored in this process.
The agri-food sector makes tremendous contributions to the province of Ontario. From the obvious food, fuel and fibre, to the economic powerhouse that creates jobs, supports rural communities and delivers vital GDP to the province’s coffers. These contributions are made by primary producers and processors in the province. And they deserve equal respect and consultation when any regulations are changed that impact the ability of our farm businesses to operate in a profitable and sustainable way.
The provincial government and the Farm Products Marketing Commission have a responsibility to the entire food value chain, and not just a segment of it. It includes real people, real farmers.
For more information, contact:
Peggy Brekveld
Vice President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
807-707-2814
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883

By Crispin Colvin, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act came into effect January 1, 2020. This new statute replaces the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and brings with it an updated, more uniform approach to delivering animal welfare enforcement in Ontario.
The PAWS Act implements a provincially-funded animal welfare enforcement model, designed to protect animals from abuse and neglect, and creates uniformity across the province. The legislation introduces a new enforcement system for Ontario, headed by the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector, and includes trained animal welfare inspectors employed by the province. As a publicly funded animal welfare enforcement model, this revamped system provides for increased accountability, transparency and oversight by the government.
Last year, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) worked closely with provincial livestock and poultry organizations and the government to develop this new animal protection model. Agricultural and government representatives collaborated together to create the PAWS Act, which will keep farmers and our entire industry accountable and responsible for the care and protection of animals in Ontario.
As farmers, we welcome this legislation to protect animals with stiff penalties and zero tolerance for animal abuse and neglect. We care about the health, safety, welfare and comfort of our animals and follow established national codes of practice for their care and handling. OFA, along with our members and industry partners, applauds the new PAWS Act which aligns with our standards of care for animals and welcomes an enforcement system that includes specially trained inspectors, strict penalties, and increased accountability and transparency.
The new legislation sets the strongest penalties in Canada for anyone who violates animal welfare laws. In addition to being subject to a code of conduct, inspectors will receive new and specialized training, including training in zoos, aquariums, livestock and equine care and handling. We look forward to specialized training for Crown prosecutors to aid in prosecutions for those accused of abusing animals. The model also provides a 24-hour call centre for reporting suspected cases of animal abuse or neglect, 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
The PAWS Act is good news for all Ontarians. Our farmers who are proud of the care they provide their animals. Our agri-food industry partners who rely on our high standards of care as part of a safe value-chain. The government as a welcome partner in developing and enforcing the legislation. And the general public, who can be assured that our farm animals are safe, healthy and well cared for.
For more information, contact:
Crispin Colvin
Director
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-868-7317
Cathy Lennon
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883