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Government
Relations
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DEB CONLON, MANAGER,
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO’S
Government Relations team has focused on
building relationships and ensuring our voice
is heard on key policy issues at both the
provincial and federal levels of government.
During the past year, one major focus was
on the implementation of neonicotinoid
regulations. Our court case to delay these
regulations was dismissed and our appeal was
denied. We knew that it was an uphill battle
but it was important for us to continue to find
ways to reduce the impact of these regulations
on our farmer-members. About 200 farmers
packed the Ontario Court of Appeals in
Toronto — showing their support for our efforts.
An audit being conducted by BDO will assess
the impact of these regulations on Ontario’s
grain farmers and we hope this will help the
government understand how their decisions
affect our businesses. Our goal is to improve
how agricultural policy is formed in the future.
On the policy front, we are staying on the
agenda at both levels of government to
showcase how we can work with themwithout
regulations in order to address new concerns.
Phosphorous levels in the Great Lakes and
achieving cap and trade goals are among the
latest environmental issues we are facing
provincially. Showcasing our stewardship
practices, such as through our involvement
with the 4R program, utilizing cover crops,
and following best management practices
helps our elected officials understand that
we are willing to work with them and other
groups to meet their priorities.
Federally, we are focused on working with
the new government to ensure the best
programs are in place under the new
Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) being
developed. This includes Business Risk
Management programs such as income
stability and agri-insurance. We have also
highlighted the need for other programs
within the APF to focus on investments in
research and market development.
Grain Farmers of Ontario showcased its
innovative partnerships with other groups at
two government receptions over the past
year. In March, we partnered with Atlantic
Grains Council, Producteurs de Grains du
Quebec, and Spirits Canada for a reception
in Ottawa to showcase ‘Canada’s Strongest
Roots’. Partnerships such as these as well as
the relationships we have built with other
grain producer organizations across the
country are providing us greater political
access than before.
In May, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a
reception at Queen’s Park under the Growing
Ontario banner. The Growing Ontario
relationship was formed in early 2016 to
celebrate the contribution of the forestry
and agriculture sectors to rural Ontario.
Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Federation of
Northern Ontario Municipalities, the
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association,
and forestry stakeholders initiated
Growing Ontario.
Government Relations has also been engaged
with farmer-members to set long-term goals
for our organization. In December,
approximately 100 delegates attended the
third annual policy day to generate ideas
and talk about priorities. The discussions
focussed on building a vision for the future
for the wider Ontario grains and oilseeds
industry; several key areas were identified
as being integral to a competitive industry.
This includes intergenerational land transfer
and our freedom to farm.
Over the next year, we look forward to
continuing our work with our industry
and government partners to ensure a
strong future for the Ontario grains and
oilseeds industry.
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