Features Business
Support expressed for reform of business risk management programs

May 18, 2017, Guelph, Ont. – The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) applauds Minister Leal for highlighting the need to reform business risk management programs for farmers.

The Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting of Ministers of agriculture was held recently in Ottawa to discuss the next agricultural policy framework.

During the meeting Minister Leal advocated on behalf of Ontario farmers when he urged his provincial counterparts to work together to address business risk management as part of the new agricultural policy framework, which is to be revealed at their July meeting.

“OFVGA would like to thank Minister Leal for his leadership in tackling a reform to Ontario’s business risk management programming,” said Jan VanderHout, Chair of Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. “Our member associations appreciate the efforts made to bring this important issue to the table during national discussions.”

Our sector is pleased to see that there is recognition by the provincial government for the need towards rebuilding these programs.

It is vital to have sustainable risk management programs that meet the needs of farmers, which allow them to focus on what they do best: growing local food.

“Farmers are tasked with managing risk as part of their livelihood,” said VanderHout. “We don’t have to look too far to see the unpredictability with farming, and the most recent weather events with extreme flooding in parts of the province are an example of that. OFVGA thanks the government for their support in dealing with issues such as this.”