The executive director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture says a domino effect will create some serious challenges for the industry this year.
Crispin Colvin, who also represents Lambton and Middlesex counties, anticipates we will notice some missing products on our grocery store shelves this summer and fall.
He said in nearby Windsor-Essex, the health unit has placed some severe restrictions on temporary foreign labour.
"There are severe restrictions in that area, in terms of not allowing (the workers) in by the public health unit," said Colvin. "They're expecting, in the greenhouse industry, around 2,000 people in the coming week to plant the seedlings that will be, in turn, transplanted into fields over the summer. That, in turn, provides our fresh produce during the summer and fall months and into the winter. With all of these restrictions, there is the potential for some severe missing products on our grocery shelves come this summer and fall."
He said a recently implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federally-regulated truckers is another area of concern when it comes to keeping up with demand.
Colvin said there's no doubt in his mind that we'll be paying even more for groceries this year.
In its December forecast, Stats Canada anticipated food prices to rise by at least 2.7 per cent in 2022.
Colvin said last year's drought in the west and in northern Ontario continues to impact the price of meat.
"When meat prices increase, the cost of grains go up, and when the cost of grains go up that impacts prices on other products that we have."
He said the rising prices don't impact farmers in terms of how much money they receive.
"Much of the price hikes end up with the grocery stores or along the food chain," he said. "Farmers are price takers, we can't set our prices. We have to accept the price that we're given, and we can't pass on costs as much as we might like to."
Colvin suggests a good way to save some cash is to shop directly at local farms. He said you're likely to find fresh produce at a slightly better price.
