Policy & Issues

Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is a producer-driven organization. Resolutions from our members drive BFO policy development and provide direction for the association. The BFO Board of Directors is responsible for implementing all policies and providing direction in response to emerging and recurrent issues affecting the Ontario beef sector. Development of all policies and positions are made with the best interests of the Ontario beef sector in mind while giving due regard to the specific needs of the various sectors within the industry.

Provincial Priorities (2024)

  1. Commit to increase the annual investment in the Risk Management Program (RMP) to help mitigate growing market risks and ensure sustainability for farmers.
  2. Amend the Beef Cattle Marketing Act (BCMA) to ensure all beef transactions trigger a check-off levy to ensure fairness and equity amongst beef farmers, and to enhance support for domestic and export market development efforts, on-farm research and education activities, and Ontario beef promotion.
  3. Help grow Ontario’s agri-food land base through targeted investments in community pastures and policy flexibility to allow Crown Land to be accessed by farmers for food production.
  4. Work with the livestock sector to better align the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act with normal farm operating procedures, costs and approved standards of care.

FEDERAL Priorities (2024)

  1. Oppose Bill C-282, An Act to Amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (Supply Management) to allow Canada to preserve its ability to negotiate comprehensive trade agreements.
  2. Address remaining BSE issues and expedite the Harmonization of Canada’s SRM Removal Rules with the United States.
  3. Create Regulatory Flexibility for Commercial Drivers’ Hours of Service when Transporting Livestock.
  4. Continue to prioritize meaningful and balanced Market Access & International Trade deals that support
    Canadian beef farmer interests.
  5. Establish a permanent interest-free limit of $350,000 under the Advance Payments Program to help beef farmers deal with inflation and rising input costs.