The Ontario Federation of Agriculture was encouraged by the budget’s focus on growing the economy and creating jobs.
President Don McCabe says growing the economy is what Ontario’s agri-food sector does every day.
"This investment must extend to rural communities and farm businesses," says McCabe. "OFA has been pushing for investments in rural infrastructure, specifically government funding to expand natural gas infrastructure to lower business costs on farms and throughout rural Ontario and investments in our rural communities. We will continue to work for on-farm investment on climate change adaptation initiatives as part of important rural infrastructure spending."
But he adds the specifics of how the budgeted programs will be implemented will require a lot of work in the coming weeks and months.
"OFA is watching the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair’s budget which is projected to decrease by $25 million. We await further details of this reduction and will be addressing any cuts that affect programs for our members."
McCabe says the OFA is pleased that some of the association's pre-budget recommendations are being addressed.
