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The impact of Ontario’s red tape reduction efforts on growers

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) is encouraging growers to submit their feedback on the province’s proposed changes to reduce the red tape across several provincial ministries. 

The legislature resumed sitting last month and the provincial government announced its Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, legislation designed to reduce red tape across several provincial ministries. A summary of all the proposed changes can be found online. 

Some of the highlights of changes with impact on agriculture and/or horticulture include:

• Transitioning Ontario’s Permit To Take Water system to an online system to permit electronic issuing of permits
• Simplifying accessing or renewing coverage for agricultural production insurance under the Agricultural Products Insurance Act
• Lengthening the accreditation period of general farm organizations
• Bringing Ontario’s pesticide classification system in line with that of the federal government to enable timely access to crop protection products and streamlining restrictions on neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed

In their November newsletter, the OFVGA stated that they will be reviewing the proposed legislation and will be submitting comments to the government. Growers who wish to add their feedback are encouraged to get in touch with the association.