Grain Farmers of Ontario Unveils 2019 Federal Election Asks
Key asks include Trade War Fund, Market Protections and a National Clean Fuels Standard
GUELPH, ON (June 10, 2019) – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, today revealed their 2019 Federal Election Asks to candidates in the upcoming election.
Grain farming in Ontario is the foundation for 40,000 jobs in the province and contributes at least $9 billion in economic output annually. With sustainable agriculture practices helping to conserve Ontario’s rich natural resources, agriculture should be a point of pride for all Ontarians and Grain Farmers of Ontario wants to see the importance of farming reflected in the election platforms in the upcoming federal election.
“Ontario has built an outstanding reputation for its food and farming. We work diligently to ensure that our crops and the food system is safe and healthy for Canadians and our international customers. Ontario grain farmers embrace new innovations to ensure that our land, water, and air is protected, and we do all of that while still ensuring that we can feed the growing population,” said Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “It is time for the government to recognize not only how vital agriculture is to Canada, but how neglected grain farming has been when it comes to federal support.”
Grain Farmers of Ontario is asking 2019 federal candidates to commit to:
A Trade War Fund to support farmers in non-supply managed sectors
A Trade War Fund for grain and oilseed farmers who are suffering from global trade disputes and competition with U.S. and Canadian supply-managed farmers, who are receiving government bailouts.
Implementation of long-term business risk management programming that shields Ontario grain farmers from price fluctuations beyond their control.
Defense of existing markets and finding new markets for grains and oilseeds
Normalize relationships with China
Defend and invest in domestic processing and international grain markets
Aggressively pursue new trade agreements and ratify trade agreements including CUSMA.
Continued elimination of harmful tariffs including steel and aluminum tariffs.
Climate change action that makes a difference
Eliminate the carbon tax and implement a Clean Fuels Standard that recognizes the contribution of domestically produced corn ethanol and soy bio-diesel as low carbon alternatives.
“The U.S. government just announced an additional $16 billion in relief for farmers (in addition to 2018’s $9 billion). It’s clear that they understand that farmers are being disproportionately penalized for the trade wars, relative to other industries, and that they are taking steps to look after that business. We expect the same recognition and support from our government. In Canada, agriculture is the foundation for more than 800,000 jobs, and those careers need to be protected,” said Haerle.
To learn more about Grain Farmers of Ontario election asks, please visit https://gfo.ca/federal-election. •
Contact:
Markus Haerle, Chair – 613 229-8336; marhaerle@gmail.com
Victoria Berry, Manager, Communications – 226 820-6641; vberry@gfo.ca
