Thursday, November 3, 2016

Compensation rates standardized

There will be standardized compensation rates across Ontario after Jan. 1, the federal and provincial agriculture departments announced this week.

The rates for animals, bee colonies and hives will be based on the average price a farmer would receive in the open market for an animal with similar characteristics, such as age and weight, they said in a news release.

The updated Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) will clearly define the requirements farmers need to meet to receive compensation.

A new, single-stage appeal process will provide clarity for these farmers and help expedite compensation, they say.