Government Relations & Advocacy

On an ongoing basis, Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) monitors and responds to legislative proposals, bills, and proposed policy and program changes. In addition, BFO’s Board of Directors and senior staff maintain close contact with MPs, MPPs, and political staff to keep the priorities for Ontario’s beef sector top-of-mind with decision makers.

Why does the Ontario Beef Sector Matter?

  • We are a leader in global sustainable beef efforts
  • We maintain one of the lowest GHG footprints of all beef systems in the world
  • We contribute $2.69 billion to Ontario’s GDP on an annual basis
  • We sustain more than 61,000 jobs through primary production, processing and retail

provincial government priorities

  1. Increase the provincial government guarantee under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee Program to allow total program lending to grow and respond to the demand brought on by the escalation in cattle prices and growing interest in the program from producers.
  2. Commit to increase the annual investment in the Risk Management Program (RMP) to help mitigate growing market risks and ensure sustainability for farmers.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 government Priorities

  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.

Why should government invest in farmers?

Partnering with Ontario farmers means more than just an added expense, it represents an investment with a proven return for the Canadian and Ontario economy.