On October 21, Canadians will be heading to the polls to elect the government that will lead the country for the next four years. In the lead-up to the election, the OFVGA has been working closely with its national partner, the Canadian Horticultural Council, to ensure some key priorities are top of mind with the federal political parties on the election trail.

From OFVGA’s perspective, the top priorities include improving water monitoring and product usage data available to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for its re-evaluation program, financial protection for produce sellers, and strengthening foreign labour programs, such as the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

In addition, the OFVGA will be looking to see each party’s position on the current business risk management suite, single-use plastics and trade.

Ontario government summer activities

Although the Ontario government does not sit until after the federal election, Ministers and Members of Provincial Parliament have been busy working on announcements and meeting with constituents. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is no exception, making at least a dozen announcements from the beginning of July to mid-August. The focus includes everything from Foodland Ontario retail display winners, Excellence in Agriculture awards, funding offered through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and everything in between.

As Ministers and MPPs begin to come back to Queen’s Park, the OFVGA is looking forward to reconnecting with the government and establishing relationships with MPPs, some of whom were granted new portfolios in June during the cabinet shuffle. Congratulation letters were sent to those with new portfolios back in July.

Ontario blue box modernization

Ontario recently completed an initial investigation phase with advisor David Lindsay to look at how to improve Ontario’s blue box program. The main changes being contemplated are how to transition the program to be fully funded by brand owners and how to increase recycling rates in Ontario, which has stalled in the 60 per cent range.

The OFVGA submitted a response to this consultation, outlining concerns around the need to consider food safety, industry competitiveness and appropriate implementation timelines. The full submission can be found at www.ofvga.org/news. Mr. Lindsay’s summary report was released in August and although it outlines a high-level plan to move to a program that is fully funded by industry, it acknowledges many hurdles that need to be overcome and suggests an implementation timeline of six years.

As this was only the beginning of this process, the OFVGA will remain engaged as the province determines specific changes to the blue box program.

Unwanted pesticide collection

CleanFarms is holding a collection drive for unwanted pesticides and livestock medications in a number of locations between September 20 and October 1, 2019. Farmers are encouraged to gather up their obsolete products and bring them to their nearest collection site on the designated day. For more details on what will be accepted, how to transport the materials and specific dates and times, please visit www.cleanfarms.ca.

Farm machinery on roadways

A brief reminder that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) has a guide available for specific rules regarding moving farm equipment between farms on public roadways. Farmers are encouraged to read, understand and follow the guide to ensure the safety of other motorists and farm employees. The guide can be accessed on the MTO website, searching for “Farm Guide Farm Equipment on the Highway.”

A revised guide is being written in consultation with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture to address more recent changes such as driving under the influence and distracted driving. Any concerns farmers have with how the rules are enforced are encouraged to contact the OFVGA.

For more information on any industry issues, please contact Gordon Stock, senior policy and government relations advisor, at gstock@ofvga.org or 519-763-6160, ext. 125. More detailed updates can also be found atwww.ofvga.org/news.