From the CEO’s desk – March 2025

There’s an old saying that ‘the only constant is change,’ and that has definitely been the reality in the first couple of months of 2025.

A new U.S. administration in January brought cross-border tariff threats; Prime Minister Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, launching a leadership race; prorogation of Parliament; and a provincial election call—that’s just a few of front-page news events that can have a significant impact on Ontario’s grain and oilseed industry as we prepare for the spring planting season. By the time this issue of Ontario Grain Farmer reaches you in March, it’s hard to say what will be in the headlines.

While many of these issues are out of our control, Grain Farmers of Ontario continues its work to bring the voice of Ontario’s farmers to the forefront of the global geopolitical issues that can affect trade. As net exporters of agricultural products and with a reliance on imports for many inputs and agricultural equipment, tariffs are certainly a threat to the viability of the industry. Grain Farmers of Ontario continues to advocate for open trade and to reduce market barriers. As a source of high-quality and sustainably grown grains and oilseeds, Ontario’s farmers are well positioned to meet the growing worldwide demand, and we will continue efforts to expand and diversify markets in Asia, South America, and Europe.

Here at home, the snap election call in Ontario, with an election on February 27, spurred the Grain Farmers of Ontario team into action to bring the industry’s priorities to the top of candidates’ agendas. We made the case for increased investment in the sector, addressing trucking issues, and building resiliency in business risk management programming. By the time you read this commentary, the election will have been decided; regardless of the outcome, Grain Farmers of Ontario is committed to working with the provincial government to advance the industry’s best interests.

Federally, we are expecting an election in the spring at the earliest or the fall at the latest. Federal priorities, including carbon tax relief, tariffs, and taxation are on our radar, and as the forecast for an election date becomes clearer, we will be communicating more information about our federal asks.

In the midst of all of this uncertainty, Grain Farmers of Ontario can celebrate a ‘win’—in late January, the provincial government announced a $100 million investment in the Business Risk Management Program (BRM)—a file that Grain Farmers of Ontario has been advocating for on your behalf. This announcement means more stability for farmers across the agriculture industry, including the beef, pork, and fruit and vegetable sectors, during periods of low commodity prices.

The BRM program announcement was just one of the many successes that Grain Farmers of Ontario has had over its 15-year history. At this year’s March Classic, Leading the Way, we will be celebrating the organization’s history of leadership and making a difference for Ontario farmers, and looking ahead to the future. The March Classic is the premier agricultural event in Ontario, and this year is shaping up to be the best yet! I invite you to join us for this very special celebration. •