Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Farmers Working Together Brings Results

By Henry Stevens

April 1, 2011


The hard work of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition has finally produced positive results. As many people know, the 2011 provincial budget was announced this week and farmers received the eagerly anticipated news that new types of Business Risk Management programming are coming for many Ontario Farmers.

Presenting solutions that will cover the programming gaps found in existing programs like Agri-Stability has been the ongoing work of OASC. The coalition, made up of a wide variety of agricultural organizations, including the CFFO, has been concerned about the resiliency of the provincial agricultural sector and has worked tirelessly towards solutions.

Our provincial government recognized that volatility in commodity markets is an issue for farmers in managing business risks. The 2011 Budget announced the extension of the current pilot Risk Management Program for grain and oilseed farmers. Furthermore, the government will also implement a new Risk Management Program for the cattle, hog, sheep and veal sectors. Fruit and vegetable growers will be getting a new Self-Directed Risk Management Program.

These new risk management programs represent an innovative approach in providing bankable, stable and predictable support for Ontario’s farmers while responding to market trends in the long-term.

However, the job for CFFO and OASC isn’t done yet. The federal government still isn’t on board with regionally flexible business risk management programming. Moving forward, the efforts of OASC will need to focus on convincing the federal government that regionally specific programming is a necessity due to the sheer diversity of agriculture across Canada,

The CFFO would like to thank Carol Mitchell, the Minister of Agriculture, and the staff at OMAFRA for their hard work and support in making these new programs a reality. It took courage and leadership on the part of our province to move ahead alone in supporting Ontario’s farmers.

 

Henry Stevens is the President of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. It can be heard weekly on CKNX Wingham and CFCO Chatham, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. The CFFO is supported by 4,200 farm families across Ontario

Views: 31

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service