Future of Grain
HIGHLIGHTING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN GRAIN PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION
Ontario’s agri-businesses a major revenue source for government
Ontario’s agri-business sector generates almost half a billion dollars in tax revenue to federal, provincial, and municipal coffers annually, a new study commissioned by the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) reveals. The report also shows that the province’s grain elevators, feed manufacturers, and crop input suppliers contribute $2.3 billion to the provincial economy and support more than 22,000 jobs throughout rural Ontario.
“This study identifies for the first time in real terms the economic impact that Ontario’s agri-business sector has in the province of Ontario,” says Dave Buttenham, CEO of OABA. “Feed manufacturers, crop input suppliers and grain elevators are a key part of Ontario’s rural fabric, providing jobs for thousands of Ontarians, supporting the provincial economy and contributing millions in tax revenue.”
Overall, the crop input supply, grain elevator, and feed manufacturing sector accounts for almost one quarter of the total Gross Domestic Product generated by Ontario’s farmers, supporting job creation, a stable tax base, and thriving rural economies.
“These results really help underline agriculture’s role as the leading driver of our provincial economy,” adds Buttenham. “Our members are often over-looked when people think about agriculture, but they’re a vital link in Ontario’s food production system.”
The study was completed this past summer by MNP LLP, a national accounting and business consultancy, and is based on data and statistics from government agencies and departments, as well as interviews with municipal politicians and industry and government officials.
The Ontario Agri Business Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization representing over 350 firms engaged in the crop input supply, grain elevator and animal feed sector across Ontario. •
Who are you following?
Farmers are using Twitter to stay connected and up to date with industry news. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight Twitter accounts we think you should consider following or hashtags (#) that will help you join specific conversations.
@DocCamiRyan
Camille Ryan is a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan who has written numerous articles for books and scientific journals. As an advocate for science and agriculture she has an interest in the role social media plays in anti-science campaigns, with a focus on how misinformation reaches the public.
#AgChat
This hashtag is used for a weekly moderated conversation that allows participants to share ideas and discuss agricultural issues. It is the largest agriculture-centred chat on Twitter, with more than 12,000 people from 12 countries and four continents participating. Chat takes place every Tuesday evening. •
The Digital Toolbox
The smartphone, tablet and computer are important tools on today’s farms. Each month, Ontario Grain Farmer magazine will highlight an app, online tool, or website that may help you in the field or in the farm office.
agricorp.com
Agricorp is improving its web services with new online access for registered users. You can sign-in to view your program records, report acres, download all forms and update your contact information.
Agricorp says moving to a single sign-in is an important step towards offering customers more online services in the future. They started emailing invitations in January to customers with email addresses on file. If you have not received an email with the subject line “Get connected to Agricorp,” call Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 to validate your email address. After you receive the email, visit agricorp.com and click ‘Sign-in’, then ‘Register now’. •
