The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) has outlined a series of policy priorities aimed at bolstering the domestic fruit and vegetable sector ahead of the 2025 provincial election. These priorities are designed to address the unique challenges faced by growers in Ontario and to enhance the overall sustainability and success of the agricultural landscape.
One of the most pressing issues confronting Ontario’s agricultural sector is the ongoing decline of the rural farm labor pool. As the availability of local labor diminishes, the reliance on international agricultural workers has become increasingly vital, particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as fruit and vegetable cultivation. Current federal policies mandate that farms provide adequate housing for these workers, yet many farms have encountered significant hurdles in renovating, replacing, or expanding their worker housing facilities in recent years.
The obstacles faced by growers include an overwhelming amount of provincial and municipal red tape, as well as rising costs associated with complying with various governmental regulations. These challenges not only hinder the ability of farms to provide necessary housing for their workers but also adversely affect the overall productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Ontario.
To address these complexities, a revised agricultural worker housing policy is imperative. Such a policy should be designed to facilitate the modernization of farmworker housing across the province, ensuring it is both economically viable and environmentally responsible. Key components of this policy should include:
1. **Assistance in Meeting Septic System Criteria**: The policy should help growers navigate the requirements of the Ontario Water Resources Act, enabling them to meet septic system criteria in a manner that balances economic feasibility with environmental stewardship.
2. **Collaboration with Municipalities**: It is essential to work closely with municipalities to establish a provincial agricultural lens for decision-making regarding worker housing. This could involve creating guidance documents that allow municipalities to consistently apply the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, and Provincial Planning Statement in ways that support domestic food production. Moreover, it should promote alternative fee structures to alleviate the financial burden of development charges and permitting fees associated with on-farm worker housing.
Priority: Protecting and Promoting Ontario’s Production
Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers depend on both local and international markets to market their high-quality produce. To maintain robust demand for locally sourced fruits and vegetables, the OFVGA is advocating for the next provincial government to adopt a “local first” procurement policy for government purchases. This policy should encompass programs such as the Student Nutrition Program and should promote the consumption of local produce through health care initiatives. Additionally, it is crucial to foster barrier-free trade and policy alignment both interprovincially and with the United States, which is the destination for approximately 85% of Ontario’s greenhouse vegetable production.
Priority: Responsiveness to U.S. Policies Impacting Ontario Agriculture
Following the U.S. elections in November 2024, the risks associated with maintaining a sustainable and equitable agricultural landscape have intensified. Growers now face the looming threat of tariffs under a potential Trump administration, coupled with significant subsidies injected into the competing U.S. farm sector. These developments have raised concerns that Ontario’s fruit and vegetable farms could be placed at a disadvantage.
In light of these challenges, the OFVGA and its members are calling on the Ontario government to demonstrate proactive leadership. It is essential to ensure that growers are not disproportionately affected by adversarial U.S. policies or any retaliatory measures taken by Canada in response to U.S. tariffs. A coordinated approach will be necessary to protect the interests of Ontario’s agricultural sector and to ensure its ongoing viability in the face of international pressures.
In conclusion, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association’s policy priorities for the upcoming provincial election are focused on addressing key challenges within the agricultural sector. By advocating for a new agricultural worker housing policy, promoting local procurement, and responding effectively to U.S. policy changes, the OFVGA aims to secure a sustainable future for Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers. For further information and to support these initiatives, stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the OFVGA and participate in the ongoing dialogue regarding the future of agriculture in Ontario.
