As fruit and vegetable farmers wrap up their fall harvest – a time that includes picking apples, digging carrots and harvesting potatoes – we're reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a province full of fresh produce. The abundance of fruits and vegetables we enjoy is not just a matter of convenience, it’s an important part of our local economy and food security.
While grocery store shelves are filled with food from around the world, we must be aware of the increasing challenges faced by global food production. Weather-related events such as droughts, floods and severe storms are putting strains on agriculture worldwide including shortages, lower quality produce, less production and more. These issues highlight the need to focus on local food production. Luckily, our own farming regions in Ontario can help mitigate some of these risks, providing us with a reliable supply of fresh produce.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how important local food production is. With many borders closed, our reliance on imported products was put to the test, demonstrating the critical role of Ontario’s farms. Supporting local food production helps create stronger, more resilient communities.
Climate change and the environment are big concerns that emphasize the need for local food systems. Purchasing locally sourced fruits and vegetables is more sustainable by reducing carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. A shorter farm-to-table journey minimizes food waste and supports farmers who are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices.
Fruit and vegetable farmers are committed to sustainable farming methods, but these need to be financially viable as well. Sustainability is about more than just protecting the environment – it includes social and financial responsibilities. This means treating farm workers well, paying fair wages and ensuring the business is profitable in the present and future. Balancing these factors is essential for the success of any farm.
Reviewing and improving business risk management programs for farmers is a critical component of this balance. These programs provide a safety net to farmers who face income and production losses from things like weather, pests, diseases, market challenges and more. Identifying and filling gaps in these programs will make them more timely and responsive to the growing risks posed by climate change and profitability challenges, ensuring that farmers can continue to thrive despite the unpredictable nature of agriculture.
Another significant challenge is labour supply. For decades, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program have been crucial for filling labour shortages on fruit and vegetable farms. These programs benefit both farmers and the workers who come to Canada for better opportunities.
Under the agreements for the SAWP and TFW program, farmers are required to provide adequate housing that meets government standards and inspections. These housing arrangements are large investments where often farmers will go beyond providing the standard housing for workers and include modern amenities like stainless steel appliances and heated floors.
Unfortunately, these expensive investments are often held up and complicated by municipalities and their own set of housing codes. Each municipality has different regulations, which hinder farmers’ ability to comply, and a lot of the time hold up construction on new housing units needed at farms. It’s crucial for local governments to consider the implications of these codes on agriculture and engage farmers in conversations where these issues are being discussed.
The same goes for stormwater management fees. While farmers appreciate the need for municipalities to create a fair system for managing costs incurred by cities dealing with stormwater, these fees must consider the unique situations of farms.
Most stormwater that falls on farmland is absorbed into the soil, replenishing groundwater and slowly releasing water into nearby waterways. This natural process means it’s unreasonable for rural properties to pay fees for infrastructure they don’t use, especially since many rural areas lack municipal stormwater systems to begin with.
For this reason and more farms should be exempt from stormwater fees, as these costs will only slow the sector’s ability to grow and meet the targets set out in the provincial government’s Grow Ontario: a provincial agri-food growth strategy. This strategy is needed to help support the agri-food sector, ensuring it continues to provide healthy, locally produced food for Ontarians while supporting local economies.
By supporting local agriculture, we can strengthen our food security, promote environmental sustainability and ensure that our farmers can thrive. The need for fresh, local food will never parish, and together, we can build a resilient agricultural future.
Shawn Brenn is a potato grower and chair of the Ontario Fruit and vegetable Growers’ Association
Paid for by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of iPolitics.