Grain Farmers of Ontario has unveiled its election asks to federal Canadian election candidates.
Chair Brendan Byrne says they are specifically designed to promote the sustainability of grain farming in Ontario for the future and to ensure that farmers can continue to do the important work they do to provide safe healthy food and help the environment.
Grain Farmers of Ontario has three asks of candidates and the new federal government:
1. Business Risk Management programs that work for more farmers as current programs, such as AgriStability, which support farmers in times of crisis, are inadequate and need to be improved to protect grain farming families in years where farm economic sustainability is dramatically impacted.
2. A low carbon tool box for grain farmers that helps Canada achieve net zero objectives
Until proven fossil fuel alternatives exist, grain farmers require an exemption on the Carbon pricing on fuel and the promised retroactive rebate on carbon pricing paid to date on fuel for grain drying.
3. Defend existing markets and find new markets for grains and oilseeds
Ontario grains need a level playing field: with grains imported into Canada that receive massive subsidies and aren’t subject to carbon pricing, and for Ontario grains in global markets with global competition.
Also to make sure that the UK-Canada trade agreement that allows for continued tariff-free access for grains and have China's defacto ban on Canada‘s soybean imports removed.
