Late fall is always a demanding season for growers, and this year it was just as demanding for our advocacy efforts. With government activity in full swing at both Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill this fall, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) has been keeping the sector’s priorities front and centre. 

In late fall, our board and staff met with provincial and federal policymakers to advance the issues that matter most to growers: issues tied directly to risk management, worker housing, labour, trade, competitiveness, and the long-term sustainability of our sector.

Strong momentum at Queen’s Park

Our annual Queen’s Park Day highlighted two major issues in particular: accelerating the rollout of the remaining Risk Management Program/Self-Directed Risk Management (RMP/SDRM) funding and clearing the path for more on-farm worker housing. Both priorities are rooted in the broader economic and regulatory landscape that continues to challenge Ontario growers.

The farm business environment remains strained by ongoing market pressures such as suppressed prices and retailer-driven programs as well as unprecedented input cost increases for fertilizer, fuel, and energy. Ontario’s support levels lag behind those enjoyed by growers in other jurisdictions, and municipal hurdles around worker housing further complicate growers’ ability to invest in their businesses. 

It’s against this backdrop that we continue to ask the province to accelerate the distribution of the remaining two years of the RMP/SDRM commitment to provide meaningful stability, support mental health, unlock access to financing, and help retain the next generation of farmers in the sector. 

We also focused on clearing the path for modern, code-compliant, on-farm worker housing. The OFVGA’s municipal survey earlier this year showed widespread and significant challenges – everything from shifting housing classifications to new fees, delayed permits, inconsistent zoning interpretations, and rising development charges. 

These layered pressures are inconsistent across the province and make it harder for growers to provide the safe, high-quality housing that international workers deserve. Our ask to government was clear: work with municipalities to harmonize standards, modernize policy, and ensure that building codes support, not hinder, grower housing investments.  

We appreciate the many elected officials and staff members from all parties who took the time to meet with us during our day at Queen’s Park. This includes Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, but also the support received from the agriculture critics and leaders of opposition parties for issues that matter to growers. 

We also had 15 focused minutes of meeting time with Premier Doug Ford, which presented an opportunity to raise structural issues that affect competitiveness across the sector, such as access to energy competitiveness, risk management and worker housing. The Premier’s willingness to engage directly was a strong signal of interest, and we also had a productive and more in-depth meeting with his policy staff on many of the same issues. 

Delivering our message in Ottawa

Although Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) lead federal advocacy efforts, the OFVGA is a strong supporter and helps ensure grower needs are represented in our nation’s capital. This year, we once again participated in the Fall Harvest advocacy event that is led by FVGC and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. OFVGA supported national advocacy on red tape reduction, access to labour including the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), and trade and investment, and ensured Ontario’s voice remained strong within these national priorities.

Alongside Fall Harvest meetings, OFVGA’s labour chair Bill George, senior policy and government relations advisor Gordon Stock and representatives across Canada met with the chief of staff for Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, to focus specifically on SAWP and the need to preserve this long-standing and well-functioning program. The minister’s team was highly engaged, and the Minister’s Office appreciates OFVGA’s ongoing efforts to publicly promote SAWP, correct misinformation, and even engage political opposition when necessary. 

We are cautiously optimistic that our message to protect SAWP is being heard, but these efforts will need to continue to ensure the program is protected for the long term. 

Looking ahead

Our advocacy efforts this fall demonstrated once again the strength of collaboration between growers, board members, staff, and our partner organizations. Many of these issues are complex and often slow-moving, but progress is being made. By pushing for practical solutions, predictable programs, and modern regulatory approaches, we are building the foundation growers need to remain competitive and resilient.

Shawn Brenn is a potato grower and chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.