Ontario beef and pork farmers partner to support insurance program
The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and Ontario Pork have jointly launched a campaign in support of a risk management program (RMP) for the beef and pork industries.
Ontario’s beef cow herd has declined 18.4% since the beginning of 2003 while sow herd has declined over 20% since 2007. This downturn is the result of several factors including BSE, H1N1, and a high Canadian dollar, bringing increased competition from imports. Producers say that the multiple economic threats occurring over an extended period of time mean the current AgriStability program alone is not enough to sustain these industries.
“We understand that a solution is needed now and for the future. Therefore farm groups from across the province are working together to discuss the best way to move forward,” said Curtis Royal, President, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association. “We have undertaken unprecedented consultations with our members and the broader farming community to shape our specific insurance programs, and it is clear that creating this plan is our members’ number one priority.”
Part of the province’s broader farming community, Ontario’s beef and pork farmers are ready to partner with the provincial and federal governments now to establish these insurance programs that would protect against market fluctuations and allow all partners to share and limit risk.
The proposed insurance program would see local Ontario farmers in the beef and pork industries pay premiums to the government representing 30% of the long-term cost of the insurance program on a voluntary basis. The campaign is asking governments to participate according to the traditional 60/40 federal/provincial split and “for the province to act immediately to kick start and fund their share of the program.”
