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✉️ Ontario Agriculture’s Coordinated Response to US Trade Challenges

Ontario Agriculture’s Coordinated Response to US Trade Challenges

Ontario farm leaders submitted a letter to Ministers Blois (AAFC) and Jones (OMAFRA) outlining their concerns about the economic impact of U.S. trade actions on the province’s agri-food sector.

Download the full letter or read the summary below.

Here are the 5 areas for support they mentioned…

1. Targeted Support Programs

The Need: Tariffs and trade disruptions are hitting hard, especially for export-heavy operations. Existing programs don’t go far enough to keep up with the financial shock.

The Ask: Launch new supports with direct aid, market diversification help, and long-term access to capital. Farmers also want Canada to match U.S.-style supports like the Specialty Crops Program.

2. Investing in Agriculture’s Productive Capacity

The Need: Ontario exports $26B in ag goods a year. With supply chains under pressure, farm viability and food security are at risk.

The Ask: Invest in local infrastructure, processing, storage, and inputs like seed and fertilizer to reduce reliance on imports and future-proof the industry.

3. Buy Local Campaigns & Export Diversification

The Need: Foodland Ontario and similar campaigns help, but they can’t replace lost U.S. markets for greenhouse veggies, pork, beef, or flowers.

The Ask: Continue supporting “Buy Local” while opening up new global export markets to keep demand strong for Ontario-grown goods.

4. Breaking Down Interprovincial Trade Barriers

The Need: Farmers face outdated rules and red tape when trying to sell within Canada, especially in livestock and wine.

The Ask: Bring Ontario ag to the table. Clear the way for easier, more competitive trade between provinces.

5. Protecting Homegrown Supply Management

The Need: Supply-managed farms (dairy, poultry, eggs) provide stability for 130,000 jobs and over $17B to the economy.

The Ask: Defend supply management to secure domestic food production and strengthen our rural communities.

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