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
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
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