Wage hike spells disaster for growers Monday, November 23, 2009 by SUSAN MANNOntario’s horticultural industry will face a catastrophe if the provincial government doesn’t offset next year’s planned minimum wage increase, concludes a report commissioned by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.The wage is set to go up by 75 cents an hour in March 2010 to $10.25 from the current rate of $9.50. It will be the third year of annual increases that started in 2008. That’s about a 28 per cent increase over a three year period and will cost growers an extra $73 million annually once the increases are fully implemented.“The minimum wage increase artificially piles sharp labour cost increases on an industry that is already struggling,” it says in the report conducted by George Morris Centre research associates Al Mussell and Claudia Schmidt. The Centre, a Guelph-based independent agri-products think tank, published the report Nov. 19.Increased labour costs decrease farmers’ profitability, particularly for those growing crops where there aren’t alternatives to manual labour, such as peaches. According to the report, a 28-per-cent increase in manual labour expenses decreases profitability by almost 50 per cent.The researchers note grower eligibility for stabilization funding will also decrease significantly.Association CEO Art Smith says farmers aren’t opposed to minimum wage increases: “What we’re opposed to is having it on the backs of the farmers who don’t have a mechanism to recover those costs.”To offset the wage increase, Mussell and Schmidt recommend the government implement two types of compensation programs – one to offset losses in net income and the other to compensate for lost risk management program eligibility. BF Specialized crushing plant on hold Dow AgroSciences buys Hyland Seeds
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