Grain Farmers of Ontario Seeks Government Support in Bill to Help Farmers

Guelph, ON – January 30, 2024 – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, encourages all Members of Parliament, across all parties, to show support for farmers and farm families by passing Bill C-234 as soon as possible.

Bill C-234: An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act includes an exemption from the carbon tax, or pricing, for fuel used to dry grain.

“Canadian farmers need to know that our federal government will support them as they work to put food on the plates of every Canadian. The carbon tax has proven to be an unbearable new cost for farms – and it is increasing every year. Passing this bill would provide our farmers some relief as they work to dry grain and ready it for food production,” said Brendan Byrne, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“Grain drying isn’t a nicety, it’s actually a necessity. Wet grain must be dried quickly or it can quickly spoil. We are being taxed on a necessary process for food production,” continued Byrne.

Bill C-234 corrects an omission to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Act that saw some fuels for farming receive an exemption from the carbon tax, while others did not. Canadian farmers are leaders in climate change efforts, including best practices for fertilizer use, increased efforts for soil and water health such as crop rotation, smart tillage practices and cover cropping.

Contact:

Victoria Berry, Communications
226-820-6641
vberry@gfo.ca