Fruit and vegetable growers want health tax exemption Thursday, May 6, 2010 by SUSAN MANNWhen the Ontario government implemented its latest minimum wage increase it bumped some farmers into an employer category that requires them to pay employer health tax.The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association asked Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty in a letter earlier this spring to exempt farmers from paying the tax when the minimum wage went to $10.25 an hour from $9.50 an hour. The change came into effect in March. Art Smith, Association CEO, says the Premier told them in a letter that he sent their request to the revenue minister for consideration.“We’re looking for an offset and that’s a straight exemption,” Smith says, noting he doesn’t know how many farmers are affected.The rate applied — there are nine — depends on the amount of an employer’s annual pay roll. Employers don’t have to pay the tax on the first $400,000. A business with an annual payroll of $500,000 could expect to pay $1,950 in tax on the $100,000 above the exempted amount.Smith says the horticultural industry is paying $70 to $80 million more in wages annually compared to 2007, when minimum wage was $8 an hour.Farmers say they can’t pass those wage increases on to their customers. Ken Forth, chair of the agricultural industry’s Labour Issues Coordinating Committee, says he doesn’t have any mechanism to put his prices up.Forth says other businesses, such as restaurants and corner stores, can increase their prices slightly to cover the wage increases. But farmers cannot. “We are at the mercy of a global market here.”Forth adds the price of fruits and vegetables in Ontario (and Canada) are determined “by the cheapest price that can be delivered to Toronto, whether that’s from Chile, Michigan, California or China.”But farmers in some countries that ship their products here pay far less for wages than Ontario growers. In Mexico, farm workers earn just $5 a day, he says.Brian Gilroy, Association chair, says escalating labour costs have contributed to a 25 per cent increase in growers’ costs of production since 2003.“Our cost of production has gone up way too fast and labour is a big chunk of that,” he says. BF Ag critic wants province to ante up abattoir aid Power at Work: When to change hydraulic system filters
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Thursday, July 17, 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 Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects Thursday, July 17, 2025 Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online
Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization Thursday, July 17, 2025 Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online
HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer Thursday, July 17, 2025 HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online
Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start Monday, July 14, 2025 Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online