Ag tribunal rejects appeal request Monday, March 15, 2010 by SUSAN MANNDairy Farmers of Ontario isn’t required to return more than $300,000 in quota transfer assessments to an eastern Ontario dairy farmer who left the industry because of foot problems, the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal ruled recently.The Tribunal dismissed the appeal by Benoit and Isabelle Lachaine of Chute-a-Blondeau. The Lachaines operated a family farming corporation called Ferme Benoit Lachaine Inc.In its March 5 written ruling, the Tribunal says a significant part of Lachaine’s case was based on financial hardship but it could not find any evidence of the hardship. Benoit sold his entire quota, 88.5 kilograms, in six separate transactions between September 2007 and February 2009, for $2,145,878.82. He also disposed of his dairy herd for $140,000. The transfer assessment on Benoit’s quota transactions was $367,055.21.“Benoit testified that the 15 per cent transfer assessment created a major affect on his family,” it says in the written Tribunal decision. Despite his efforts to transition to cash crop farming from dairy, “his income level is not the same and as a result he must re-train himself in order to find work off the farm.”With three daughters in full-time university and his plans to register in a two-year computer science program in the fall, Benoit testified that if granted the exemption the money would be well utilized by his family.Benoit told the Tribunal he couldn’t continue dairy farming because of unexpected medical problems related to arthritic pains in his foot. In July 2008 Benoit asked for an exemption to the Dairy Farmers’ November 2006 quota assessment policy for two previous quota transactions and for subsequent transactions. The policy imposed a minimum 15 per cent transfer assessment on all transactions on the quota exchange. That policy was replaced in August 2009 by new quota policies introduced in five eastern Canadian provinces that included a price cap on quota of $25,000 a kilogram.Dairy Farmers denied Benoit’s exemption request and his request for reconsideration.“We find there is nothing special, unique or extraordinary about Benoit Lachaine’s circumstances or medical condition to warrant an exemption from the transfer assessment,” it says in the Tribunal decision. BF Award recognizes OFA president For food manufacturers, 2009 was a banner year
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online