The Grain Farmers of Ontario are disappointed with the federal government for not being included in funding support for the agriculture sector.
The organization representing Ontario‘s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers is urging the government to quickly increase and widen support to include them.
The grain farmers said Tuesday's announcement of $252 million to help food processors, beef, pork, and dairy farmers is too targeted and leaves out too many groups that are suffering losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Ontario grain farmers.
“Grain farmers in Ontario are facing an unprecedented $550 million in lost revenues. Over 67 percent of our farmer-members are worried about their farms' ability to survive this crisis and its aftermath,” said Markus Haerle, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “The federal government has 'targeted' groups without understanding the full picture. Our Prime Minister and his government are asking grain farmers to bear the costs of everyone having enough to eat.”
Grain farmers in Ontario have recommended changes to current support programs for farms that will offer them the security to invest time and money into the farms.
A recent member survey done by Grain Farmers of Ontario showed that 90 percent of those surveyed expect their net income will be reduced in 2020 and more than half are worried that they will not be able to cover their 2020 planting costs because closures and staff reductions at processing facilities have drastically decreased demand for grain. Grain farmers across the province are estimating income losses of $135 per acre for corn and $20 per acre for soybeans based on current prices. They also said they could see a total loss of $550 million in the future if there is not a rebound to pre-COVID-19 price levels.
“We are not happy with the announcement. It was clear that there was no consideration given to grain farmers, despite the fact that grain farmers are the foundation for the domestic food supply system in Canada," added Haerle. "Grain farmers need to deliver every day to provide food for animals and to get flour on the grocery store shelves – and we are seeing how difficult that is becoming."
The group understands the federal funding announced on Tuesday is a “first step,” but it is "woefully inadequate" and the next step needs to come swiftly and meaningfully.
“Do not be confused when you see farmers in tractors planting crops. This is not an indication that the grains sector is performing well. Two-thirds of our farmer-members are concerned about their farms‘ ability to survive this downturn. The time to support all of agriculture is now, and our government needs to make grain and oilseed farmers a priority,” said Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario.
