The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is proposing increases in financial protection fees that grain and beef producers pay.
It’s part of a total overhaul of regulations that follows the passing of legislation to combine three financial protection plans for farm products, grains and livestock into one act.
OMAFRA said in an on-line posting to open its proposals to comment that:
“The new regulations will be sector specific and are not intended to be significantly different from the existing regulations.
“Specifically, the new Minister's regulations for Grain and Livestock will continue to set out the following functions while also making necessary updates to enforcement and governance policies and processes:
1. the requirements for dealer and elevator operator licensing;
2. fees payables to the two Financial Protection Boards;
3. how payments are paid from the Funds; and
4. Financial Protection Boards payment of expenses.”
In another section of the online posting, it said:
“An actuarial review of the funds completed in 2021/22 has resulted in a recommendation to increase the check-off fees paid by grain corn, canola and beef cattle producers to ensure that the funds are actuarially sound (i.e. continue to have enough money to pay claims and administrative expenses).
“Check-off fee changes are recommended by the boards. Changes to the check-off fees will be finalized once consultation is complete and recommendation for regulatory changes finalized.’’
And also said:
“Proposed licensing fee changes would increase the licence application and renewal fees paid by dealers and elevator operators and short fall permit fees paid by operators under the Grain Program.”
