Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Apple growers ponder fee hike

Thursday, February 11, 2010

by SUSAN MANN

Ontario apple growers have until March 1 to vote on a proposed fee increase of $10 an acre over two years.

The first $5-an-acre increase would be this year raising the annual fee to $25 from $20. There would be a further $5-an-acre increase for 2011 that would make the fee $30.  About 235 members of Ontario Apple Growers have the opportunity cast their vote by mail. The vote is being conducted by the Apple Growers and not the Farm Products Marketing Commission.

For an average farm of 72 acres, the increase would be $360 for this year and a further $360 for next year. All apple farmers with 10 acres or more must belong to the Apple Growers and pay the fee. Farmers with less than 10 acres can voluntarily join and their annual fee is $200 plus GST. The fee for voluntary members isn’t slated to increase as part of this proposal.

Brian Gilroy, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers, says a majority of ‘yes’ votes are needed for the proposal to be approved. “But we’re hoping for a much greater vote in favour than just a simple majority and we’re anticipating that we will get support for it.”

The current $20-an-acre fee has been in place since 2004 when the organization was established.

Gilroy says the increase is needed partly to offset increased costs for research and promotion. There has also been a decrease in the acreage that can be used to fund the organization to 12,500 from 15,000 six years ago.

Another reason the increase is needed is due to a change in the way governments now provide funding to organizations for promotion and research. Instead of government grants, there are now contribution agreements. Gilroy says they have to spend the money first before they can tap into government programs to help offset their costs.

To be eligible to vote, farmers have to be members in good standing with Ontario Apple Growers.

Results will be reported by around the middle of March through a newsletter and a posting on the Apple Growers web site. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

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

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top