“This will make it possible for OFA to continue to work effectively on behalf of Ontario farm families,” says Bette Jean Crews, OFA president. “It is vitally important for farmers to have properly-funded organizations that work for the betterment of both family farms and the rural community,” Henry Stevens, CFFO president said.

The original fee of $150 was set when the legislation calling for a Farm Business Registration fee to fund Ontario’s three GFOs was approved in 1993. These organizations have seen significant operating cost increases since that time and more complex issues to be addressed on behalf of Ontario farmers.

Ontario farmers responded when OMAFRA asked for an indication of farmer support for a fee increase. An estimated 80 per cent told OMAFRA that they supported the proposed increase to $195 per year.

With that increase, OFA and CFFO will be able to work on such things as additional savings on energy costs for farmers, improved safety nets for farmers, more farmer revenue opportunities with the Green Energy Act, tax savings, and expanded product and service partnerships providing farmer discounts.

-30-

Contact: Bette Jean Crews 613-921-0597 Henry Stevens 519-837-1620