grain farmers of ontario is pleased with the commitment the McGuinty government has made to our members with the inclusion of a permanent Risk Management Program (RMP) in the recent provincial budget.

Grain Farmers of Ontario would like to congratulate everyone for working together and remaining committed to getting the program in place over the last six or more years.  We would not have been successful if farmers didn’t rally in the early days, meet with their MPPs many times throughout the last few years and, most importantly, sign up for the program each year of the pilot.

The decision to make the Risk Management Program permanent demonstrates Premier McGuinty’s long-term dedication to Ontario’s food supply and rural communities.  Our government has worked tirelessly to deliver this program to meet farmers’ needs.  Minister Mitchell has met with the members of the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition on a regular basis since becoming Minister of Agriculture and before her, Minister Dombrowsky was instrumental in getting the pilot established for grain farmers. 

Now the hard work to put the details of this program in place will begin.  Grain Farmers of Ontario’s first priority is to re-instate the 100 percent coverage level and open the program to all farmers, not just those who have participated in the past.  . Since the program is now permanent, the government should allow all farmers in participate because now the program has certainty for the future.

Grain Farmers of Ontario will also continue to focus our attention on the federal government.  Our organization is committed to pursuing a fully funded Risk Management Program for our members as a federal election tactic, and if required, beyond the election through the Growing Forward 2 consultations.  We are working closely with Ontario’s pork and cattle organizations to ensure a united message reaches our federal MPs.

We will need the help of our members to meet our federal goals.  Without you, there would not have been a commitment from the provincial government for the Risk Management Program and without your help there will be no federal contribution.  Please pledge your support for a fully funded Risk Management Program by formally asking your MP, writing to your local paper, taking part in government consultations and continuing to   participate in the provincial program.  As you can see by our success provincially, your dedication and resolve make anything possible. •