Farming Sources

Ontario farmers forced to pay higher crop protection prices than competitors

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:22 -0600

For immediate release
Guelph, ON, May 21, 2013 � Ontario farmers are paying an estimated $22 million more every year for crop protection products than their competitors in the United States. This is according to analysis done by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA).

OFA Commentary: AAFC cuts signal shaky ground for Canadian research innovations

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:56:08 -0600

By Debra Pretty-Straathof, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)

When approximately 700 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada employees received notices last week that their jobs could be on the chopping block, it seems that valuable agricultural research may be lost with them. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is very troubled by this news, and the longer-term implications these loses will have on the competitiveness of Canada’s agricultural industry.

CFFO Commentary: Ontario Exports Reach all time High but Challenges Remain

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:53 -0600

by Nathan Stevens

Earlier this month, the government of Ontario celebrated crossing the ten billion dollar threshold in food exports. In addition, a recent session held by the Cross Border Transportation Centre at the University of Windsor outlined the challenges facing exporters targeting the American marketplace. In order for our food exports to continue to grow, we need to focus on achieving greater efficiencies when it comes to moving food across the border.

The Proposed Ontario Budget holds Positives for Agriculture and Rural Ontario

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:25:36 -0600

By Nathan Stevens
May 10, 2013

The first proposed budget under our new Premier holds many positive commitments for agriculture and rural Ontario. The CFFO is pleased that there are commitments to the key issues that the organization raised in its budget submission on the need for fiscal discipline, the need for a focus on innovation, and the need for regulatory modernization. However, there are some areas of concern as well.

Natural gas infrastructure a priority for rural Ontarians, survey says

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:13:50 -0600

May 10, 2013 - By Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)

Ontario farmers who don’t have access to natural gas on the farm want the infrastructure in place to make it happen, says a recent survey conducted by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). That’s because the appeal of natural gas for use in Ontario homes � its affordability, cleanliness, safety and convenience � extends to Ontario farm businesses. And the cost savings associated with heating hog or poultry barns or operating a greenhouse can be a make-or-break scenario for farm profitability.