Proposal to tax craft cider along the same lines as craft beer earns sweet accolades from Ontario apple growers Tuesday, November 10, 2015 by SUSAN MANNOntario apple growers are as juiced up as cider producers about a provincial government bill ensuring craft cider has the same tax treatment as craft beer.The bill, called growing Ontario’s craft cider industry, is making its way through the Ontario Legislature and received second reading Thursday. It was then referred to a standing committee for review.Ontario’s apple growers are very optimistic about the opportunities the craft cider industry has in using provincially grown apples, says Kelly Ciceran, general manager of the Ontario Apple Growers. The government’s bill will “help incubate the cider industry and help grow the Ontario industry. Ontario craft cider makers are committed to using 100 per cent Ontario-grown apples in their products.”According to an economic impact study commissioned by the apple growers and the Ontario Craft Cider Association, cider producers are poised to use 10 per cent of all apples grown in Ontario by 2018. That same year the craft cider industry is projected to hit $35 million in sales in Ontario. The study also notes there were 19 cideries in Ontario, as of last year, with more on the way.Thomas Wilson, craft cider association chair, says in a Nov. 6 press release the government’s craft cider bill will ensure the industry “receives the same incentives enjoyed by craft beer producers.” The bill ensures the tax or markup slapped on craft cider doesn’t exceed the tax or markup put on craft beer in Ontario.He adds that once the bill is fully implemented it will provide a level playing field for craft cider producers comparable to Ontario’s craft brewers and with that level playing field “the potential for expansion of this homegrown industry is immense.” The bill is an excellent first step to promoting rural and agricultural economics in Ontario, generating employment and business growth throughout the countryside, he says in the release. BF Alltech bid to buy Masterfeeds awaits Canadian regulatory approval Robotic milkers offer high throughput and precision recording
Wilson Farms Sponsors Ontario Four 2026 Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Wilson Farms Grain has been announced as the Supreme Champion Sponsor of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series for the 2026 season. This partnership connects one of Eastern Ontario’s leading grainlogisticsenterprises with one of the province’s most respected draft horse competitions. Known... Read this article online
Hog Markets Strengthen Heading Into Late February Monday, February 23, 2026 As hog producers head into the final stretch of February, North American markets showed modest but broad-based strength according to the latest OMAFA report for the week ending February 20, 2026. The data highlights firmer hog prices, stronger futures, and mixed feed costs, offering... Read this article online
New leadership elected as Beef Farmers of Ontario charts priorities for 2026 Monday, February 23, 2026 The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) has announced new leadership following its , with directors electing Jason Leblond of Chisholm as president and Don Badour of Perth as vice president. The election marks the conclusion of Past President Craig McLaughlin’s nine-year term on the... Read this article online
Why farmers built their own renewable energy association Friday, February 20, 2026 When renewable energy developers come knocking on rural doors, farmers often find themselves staring at 40-page leases, unfamiliar terminology, and long-term commitments that could shape their land for decades. For many, the opportunity is exciting and enticing—but also... Read this article online
Looking for a heritage machine Friday, February 20, 2026 A Brantford, Ontario area heritage organization—the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre (CIHC)—is putting out a call to the Canadian agricultural community in hopes of locating a rare piece of machinery that helped transform grain harvesting around the world. The CIHC is preparing... Read this article online