By Drew Spoelstra, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
The 2018 Ontario provincial budget was met with criticism and speculation on how voters will react to spending that offers something for nearly every Ontarian. It also yields several years of provincial deficits required to deliver on these spending promises. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has been advocating for responsible government investments in agri-food and rural communities. While it appears some of those requests have been addressed in this year’s budget, there’s still plenty of room for real commitments to our industry and residents outside of the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Numerous government assistance and spending programs are included in the budget, and our work remains to ensure their extension to Ontario’s rural communities. Here are the budget highlights for agriculture and rural Ontario. Broadband OFA is pleased to see the $500 million investment over three years to help expand broadband in rural and northern communities, including $71 million for cellular coverage in Eastern Ontario. OFA, along with our partners in the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus have made it clear to the Ontario government that rural Ontario needs reliable broadband access to operate our farm businesses, support and grow our communities and compete in global markets. Community development A small nod was given to the needs of attracting new investments in rural Ontario. With the goal to create 19,000 jobs and attract $800 million in new investments. The Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will provide an additional $100 million to the Southwestern Ontario and Eastern Ontario Development Funds over the next 10 years to support business needs, particularly in rural and small communities. Agriculture There was no specific spending for agricultural programs or funding included in the budget. The budget for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs appears to be slightly increased and the specifics of that will come later with the spending estimates. OFA is pleased to see the 2018 budget reflect our call for investment in rural capacity and economic development as outlined in our Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign. There’s still plenty of work to be done to help government understand the significant impact and potential growth of our agri-food businesses and rural communities, and to realize the results of that improved understanding in financial spending, sound policy development and increased attention. The budget has a lot to offer Ontarians, but we’re not alone in our concern with the high and persistent deficit spending the 2018 budget delivers. All of Ontario will be watching closely as we approach the provincial election in June. OFA will continue to position our agri-food sector and rural communities as the answer to growth, economic development, affordable communities and a sustainable environment and local food system for all Ontarians. -30- For more information, contact: Drew Spoelstra Executive Member Ontario Federation of Agriculture 905-379-5751 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883
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Posted on 23 March 2018 in Commentaries
By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture With the provincial budget announcement expected next week, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reminds government and all Ontarians in the lead up to the June 7 election, that it’s time to invest in our agri-food sector and rural communities. OFA’s Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign supports our prebudget submission, advocating for public investment across rural Ontario. The inclusion of distributed investments in the budget and beyond will provide immediate and ongoing economic and social benefits. Distributing development dollars across Ontario is the solution to ongoing challenges facing rural and urban communities. When we invest in our small communities, we improve the physical and social infrastructure in rural Ontario, opening up new opportunities for working and living in communities all across the province. This is good for rural Ontario and alleviates the stresses in our urban communities. A recent survey initiated by OFA and conducted by Grassroots Public Affairs, asked more than 1,000 residents in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) their opinions on rural communities and Ontario’s agri-food sector. The results showed strong support for our agri-food industry and interest in affordable housing in rural Ontario. But respondents had concerns about the availability of jobs, services and social infrastructure in our rural communities. Highlights of the survey showed:
These survey results illustrate the challenges facing rural Ontario and the opportunities that can be realized with the right investments. As OFA advocates for Ontario agriculture, food and rural communities in the lead up to the provincial election, we are asking government to understand the needs and prospects of agri-food and rural communities. We are looking for a budget commitment that will spread economic investments around Ontario to produce prosperity in rural and urban areas. For more information, contact: Keith Currie President Ontario Federation of Agriculture 705-441-3362 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 By Jackie Kelly-Pemberton, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
It can be tough for any farm family to sit down and start a discussion about succession planning. This is something I’ve had firsthand experience with, and it is not without its challenges, but planning for a secure future is a reality of running a family business. Having access to tools and resources for succession planning is one of the growing number of additional services the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) now offers to our members. As a grassroots organization, OFA has listened to what’s on the minds of our members, and we understand the tools needed to continue to support their farm businesses. We’ve heard from members who are worried about the complexities of passing their farm businesses to the next generation, and it was clear to us that there was a need for programs and promotions that can help navigate the complications of succession planning. Because of this the OFA has recently partnered with Farm Life – a succession planning group that only works with farm families – to help get conversations started and succession plans developed on how to pass your farm harmoniously through the generations. Farm Life was founded when the owner and his family tragically lost their father, and their family faced the consequences of not having the right plan in place and the family farm was lost. OFA wants to help members start the “what if” conversations about succession planning, and the new partnership with Farm Life offers some incentives to help make that happen starting with a complimentary consultation. Farm Life brings farm families together to have courageous conversations about the future of their farm and completes a tax efficient succession plan. OFA is helping by offering preferred rates on succession planning to assist farmers to build a plan that protects both the family harmony and the legacy of the farm. OFA’s Benefit Program brings together exclusive services and programs to complement farm businesses to offer additional value to OFA members. With more than a dozen partners, OFA members can access a wide range of special services and programs from farm vehicles to insurance, farm supply, communications and banking. Full details of all OFA’s benefit partners are available at ofa.on.ca For more information, contact: Jackie Kelly-Pemberton Director Ontario Federation of Agriculture 613-774-5914 Neil Currie General Manager Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-821-8883 |
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