For immediate release
Guelph, ON [September 15, 2011] – If you’re a new Ontario farmer, don’t miss out on your eligibility for the Farm Property Tax Class Rate for the 2012 tax year. Join the Ontario Federation of Agriculture before September 30, 2011.
The Farm Business Registration (FBR) process allows farmers to become a member of the OFA, Ontario’s largest general farm organization. Receiving the OFA membership card confirms the FBR process is complete.
“The most obvious benefit of registering a farm business is the opportunity to qualify for the farm property tax rate,” says Bette Jean Crews, president, OFA. “Registration with the OFA also enables farmers to be part of agriculture policy development while enjoying great member benefits.”
All Ontario farm businesses that gross more than $7,000 annually are required by law to register through Agricorp with one of the general farm organizations in the province. FBR information compiled by Agricorp is delivered to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs who notify the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation about all registered farms each year. A valid FBR number is one of the requirements for receiving the farm property tax rate.
For more information or to register your farm business by the September 30, 2011 deadline, contact the OFA at 800-668-3276.
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, 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 contact:
Bette Jean Crews
President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
bettejean.crews@ofa.on.ca
613-921-0597
Neil Currie
General Manager
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
neil.currie@ofa.on.ca
519-821-8883
