Changes proposed for grain financial protection program Saturday, February 11, 2012 by SUSAN MANN A temporary provision to allow deferred payments under the Ontario Grain Financial Protection program was slated to expire in July but proposed amendments to the program’s regulations will make it permanent. It’s one of several amendments the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is proposing to the program’s regulations. Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Agri Business Association requested the changes. Other stakeholder groups support the amendments. The Grain Financial Protection program was established in 1984 to reduce the risk of a producer loss if a licensed buyer defaults. It also protects grain owners who store their grain in a licensed elevator. A full list appears on the province’s regulatory registry. Public comments will be accepted until March 15. Other amendments include: Extending the payment requirement for dealers on sales from storage to five days instead of the current timeline that payments must be made by 2 p.m. the next day. This is being done to better reflect industry practice. Reducing the initial payment amount from dealers to producers on basis contracts to 60 per cent from 75 per cent to better manage the risks and volatility in the marketplace. Increasing the compensation for canola and soybean producers. Allowing compensation related to deferred payments on a sliding scale. There are two parts to the protection program. One is the annual licensing of grain dealers and elevator operators under the Grains Act. To get a license, dealers must prove financial responsibility and/or post security. The other part is the Grain Financial Protection Board, which administers the compensation funds that are supported by a mandatory check-off fee. As of March 31, 2011 the funds’ combined balance was $13.2 million. The board also adjudicates the validity of any claims and determines how much a producer is eligible to receive. The proposed changes won’t cost government any additional money and won’t result in any measurable impact on the actuarial soundness of the funds, it says in the background documents to the amendments. BF Dundalk fertilizer facility sparks concerns, questions - and support Grain Farmers elects board executives
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online