EDEN — The Ontario government is increasing annual funding for its Risk Management Program (RMP) from $150 million to $250 million to enhance support for farmers and the province’s $51 billion agri-food sector. The $100 million increase will support farmers in responding to market challenges while boosting their long-term business confidence and competitiveness.
"Supporting Ontario farmers is critical to the growth of our economy as we work to get more high quality and nutritious Ontario food products to families homes here at home and in new markets abroad. This $100 million boost to RMP will further strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of farmers across the province, most especially with the threat of tariffs by President Trump," said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King--Vaughan. "We are standing by our farmers and protecting Ontario's agricultural sectors by investing more to help them grow and compete with the best in the world. This investment builds on the $50 million annual increase to RMP in 2020 to $150 million, and past reforms which allowed unused program funds to be rolled over to future year claims, allowing the program to be most responsive in times of greatest need.”
“Our government promised farmers we would continue to expand and enhance RMP, and with this historic investment, we have delivered,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “To Ontario’s world-class farmers, know that our government remains focused on strengthening your resilience and competitiveness, no matter what headwinds may come our way.”
The $100 million increase will be phased in over a three-year period, starting with a $30 million increase for the 2025 program year, leading to an annual total of $250 million by the 2027 program year. Producer premiums will remain at 35 per cent of government funding, and the current phase-in of this will continue.
“Ontario farmers work tirelessly to feed our growing province, and they deserve a government that protects them and their industry against economic uncertainty,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This investment will not only continue to support hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity, it will also help ensure the continued growth of Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector for generations.”
This investment builds on the $50 million annual increase to RMP in 2020 to $150 million, and past reforms which allowed unused program funds to be rolled over to future year claims, allowing the program to be most responsive in times of greatest need. This also builds on the 2023 changes to the compensation rates for AgriStability which were increased from 70 per cent to 80 per cent, a change that Ontario led the fight on at the federal level to better serve farms facing significant margin declines due to production losses as part of the national suite of Business Risk Management programming.
RMP supports over 383,000 jobs and $24 billion throughout Ontario’s agri-food supply chain across 8,500 farms which produce cattle, hogs, sheep, veal, grains and oilseeds, as well as edible horticulture through the Self-Directed Risk Management stream.
Quick Facts
Ontario is a national leader in supporting farmers, with RMP helping them manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices, so they can compete globally with confidence.
RMP is delivered by Agricorp, an Ontario crown corporation that delivers risk management and business support programs to the province’s agricultural industry.
Quotes
"Today’s historic investment in the Ontario Risk Management Program could not come at a better time given the uncertainty and escalating risks facing farm operations. This is without a doubt the most important investment the province could make for our sector, and one that will serve to support the security of Ontario farms and Ontario food production for many years. BFO applauds Premier Ford and all the MPPs who supported the need for increased investment for this critically important program. Today’s announcement would have not been possible without the tireless leadership and advocacy of Minister Rob Flack, who has championed this program and need to improve risk protection for farmers since the day he took office. Thank you, Minister, we have 100 million reasons to smile today."
- Craig McLaughlin
President, Beef Farmers of Ontario
"The addition of these new funds to the Risk Management Program by Premier Ford, Minister Flack and the OMAFA team is a necessary and welcome step in helping farmers plan for the coming years with confidence as we work to grow the food the whole province needs, to keep jobs in the province, and to contribute billions of dollars to the economy. We thank the government for this show of support."
- Jeff Harrison
Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario
"Today’s announcement is timely as growers are currently making decisions on the upcoming growing season, including buying inputs, ordering machinery and arranging for labour. Following several very challenging years for our sector, this commitment from the Ontario government will help growers manage ongoing risks and increase confidence to make these investment decisions, further supporting Ontario’s capacity to produce healthy and safe fruits and vegetables locally."
- Shawn Brenn
Chair, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association
"Ontario’s pork producers applaud the government’s decision to enhance the Risk Management Program. Ensuring that this program is adequately funded and more responsive will help farmers better manage uncertainties, so they can focus on investing in innovation, creating farm jobs, exploring new market opportunities, and continuing to provide high-quality pork for the people of Ontario."
- Tara Terpstra
Chair, Ontario Pork
"Ontario Sheep Farmers is elated by this announcement of an additional investment of $100 million for RMP. Lamb production enrolled in this program has doubled since 2020 and continues to increase. This investment by the government will support current and new sheep farmers as we expand production to meet the growing demand for lamb in Ontario."
- Art Alblas
Chair, Ontario Sheep Farmers
"On behalf of Veal Farmers of Ontario, I would like to thank Minister Flack for his unwavering support for Ontario’s farmers and his understanding the many challenges and risks involved in growing and raising food for Ontario. Together, we have all worked hard to support the Ontario Risk Management Program and the additional $100 million dollars to the program will ensure farmers are able to continue to manage risks that are beyond their control and provide stability for their businesses in uncertain markets."
- Phil Kroesbergen
Chair, Veal Farmers of Ontario
"The OFA has continuously advocated for further enhancements to the Risk Management Program through positive consultations with provincial policymakers and our members. We are delighted that the Ontario government has honoured its commitment to deliver this historic funding increase. This investment will provide Ontario’s farmers with added confidence and certainty at the exact time it is needed most given growing market instability."
- Drew Spoelstra
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Additional Resources
Comentarios