Farm Business Registration fee increasing in 2018

​Guelph, ON [December 1, 2017] – A Farm Business Registration (FBR) fee increase has been approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, effective January 1, 2018.  The annual fee will increase by $30 to $225 plus HST.
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), together with the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and the National Farmers Union - Ontario proposed the fee increase earlier this year. The annual fee for farmers to register their business is collected each year by Agricorp as part of the FBR process and remitted to the three accredited farm organizations.
 
“OFA thanks Minister Leal for championing this regulation change to support Ontario’s general farm organizations,” says Keith Currie, OFA president. “It’s been eight years since the last adjustment in FBR fees and the cost of doing business, working on behalf of farm members, continues to climb.”
 
OFA is funded by membership support through FBR fees. The number of farm businesses in Ontario is decreasing, resulting in a slow decline in membership over the years. “Fewer farms in the province doesn’t mean a lighter workload,” says Currie. “The volume of Environmental Bill of Rights submissions and responses, advocacy work on regulations like the recently proposed federal tax changes and the need for on-the-ground member support has been greater than ever. OFA is proud of the comprehensive member service our organization delivers.”
 
Ontario farmers can expect FBR renewal notices from Agricorp by mail in January, 2018.
 
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.
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For more information:
 
Keith Currie
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
705-441-3362
 
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883