GFO identifies 6 priorities for the next Ontario government

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Ontarians head to the polls June 2, 2022, to elect the next premier, and Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) wants the next provincial government to focus on six priorities to support the growth of Ontario‘s grain and oilseed industry.

In the coming weeks, over the course of the election campaign, GFO and RealAgriculture will feature interviews with key party representatives to discuss where their party stands on each of the priorities.

The six priorities are:

  • Address supply chain issues and the escalating costs of crop inputs: To sustain our food supply, our sector needs government support to address the escalating costs of fertilizer and assist in finding new sources for the future
  • Increase risk management program funding by $100 million: Given the unpredictability of the last two years, we need stronger risk management programs to remain competitive and secure domestic food security
  • Provide relief on carbon pricing For grain drying: Until a proven alternative to fuel-fired grain-drying can be found, we need the flexibility to invest in proven climate-smart technologies
  • Accelerate the use of grain-based renewable fuels: Increasing the amount of corn ethanol in gasoline and soy renewable diesel in diesel required by the Clean Fuels Regulation will not only lower the carbon footprint of transportation fuels but support local economies and create new opportunities for grain farmers
  • Invest in the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus: Investing in agricultural research will help secure domestic food security and support the next generation of sustainable farming in Ontario
  • Create new growth opportunities for farmers: There are many parts to the agricultural value chain in Ontario. To create jobs and grow our sector, we need government to invest in grains and oilseed processing.

“Ontario grain farmers have the solution to many of the world problems we face that include food security, low carbon alternatives and post pandemic economic recovery,” says Brendan Byrne, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We need the incoming government to commit to our key policy priorities to protect our $18 billion industry that supplies world-class goods, supports employment and fuels economic growth in our communities.”

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