A new study suggests the provincial Risk Management Program is helping farmers grow Ontario's economy.
The study was done for the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition, which helped the government set up that program four years ago.
Chair Bob Gordanier says they did the study so they'd have the information available when the province reviews the RMP.
Gordanier says the study shows the program is working for Ontario producers, it's creating jobs and is a good economic vehicle for agriculture and the province.
The study suggests that over the past four years, every dollar in RMP payments to producers has generated 2 dollars and 24 cents in positive economic activity.
Author Harry Cummings says the program has given participating farmers the confidence needed to make new investments and grow their businesses.
OASC would like to see one change in the program.
Gordanier says they're calling for a 25 million dollar per year boost in the annual cap on payments over the next three years to bring that cap to 175 million dollars a year.
The coalition includes Beef Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork, Ontario Sheep and Veal Farmers of Ontario.
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According to Gordanier, the study showed the program is working for Ontario producers.
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Gordanier says about the only thing producers would like to see changed in the program is an increase in the 100 million dollar annual cap on payments.
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Gordanier points out the program doesn't make payments to producers in good times.
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