McGuinty Government Calls on Federal Government to Increase Support
Ontario has asked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to join with the province in an assessment of support options for livestock producers affected by dry weather through the AgriRecovery framework – a disaster relief program for farms.
While touring farms in eastern Ontario, Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, also called on the federal government to accelerate tax relief for livestock producers in affected regions through the identification of Prescribed Drought Regions.
Ontario is committing that farmers in Prescribed Drought Regions will be protected from reductions in their AgriStability coverage if they are:
- Experiencing challenges from the lack of rain and dry conditions.
- Forced to sell breeding stock due to hay and pasture shortages.
A strong agri-food industry is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create jobs and opportunities that will grow the economy.
QUOTE
“Many farmers are having a tough time with continued hot, dry conditions this year, especially in eastern Ontario. Our government’s support gives Ontario producers the most effective response possible in difficult times.”
-Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
QUICK FACTS
- Once an area has been identified as a Prescribed Drought Region farmers are allowed to defer a portion of the sale proceeds to a future tax year.
- Primary agriculture contributes $4.7 billion to Ontario’s economy.
- Ontario is home to 74,840 farmers.
- About 15,000 farmers are enrolled in production insurance, 10,000 in the Risk Management Programs and 18,000 in AgriStability.
