Supporting grain farmers is supporting the environment

GUELPH, ON  – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, today unveils its election asks to federal Canadian election candidates.

“These asks 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,” said Brendan Byrne, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “It is vital that candidates in this federal election recognize the value that Ontario grain farmers bring to this country and that they work with us to protect the planet, our local communities, and the healthy food we grow.”

Grain Farmers of Ontario has three asks of candidates and the new federal government:

Business Risk Management programs that work for more farmers.

• 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.

A low carbon tool box for grain farmers that helps Canada achieve net zero objectives.

• Proven fossil fuel alternatives for drying grain. Until those alternatives exist, grain farmers require an exemption on carbon pricing on fuel and the promised retroactive rebate on carbon pricing paid to date on fuel for grain drying.
• Carbon offset market that allows for the realities of grain farming.
• Clean Fuels Regulation that keeps grains competitive and builds a growing market for Ontario corn and soybeans for cleaner biofuels. Science based tools to help farmers manage nutrients more efficiently and reduce emissions, including the 4R program.

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.
• UK/Canada trade agreement that allows for continued tariff-free access for grains.
• China’s defacto ban on Canada’s soybean imports must be removed.

“This is the time for candidates to show leadership and their commitment to science-based and evidence-based decision making to ensure the most sustainable, and the most effective, climate change and economic policies,” said Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Working with farmers and supporting their needs is acknowledging the importance of sustainable farming and the farm economy that supports this country.”