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. Commit to increase the annual investment in the Risk Management Program (RMP) to help mitigate growing market risks and ensure sustainability for farmers.
  2. 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.
  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. Invest in market development programming and support domestic processing capacity to help develop, brand and promote Ontario beef domestically and in key export markets:
    - Amend the tax classification for abattoirs to improve their competitiveness.
    - Commit to a combination of no-interest, non-repayable loans and funding programs with a higher cost-share percentage that would allow abattoirs to meet the growing demand for Ontario beef while enhancing their financially stability.

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. Continue to prioritize meaningful and balanced Market Access & International Trade deals that support Canadian beef farmer interests.
  4. Make the interest-free limit of $250,000 permanent 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.