GRAIN AND OILSEED PRODUCTION makes a huge contribution to Ontario’s economy. With the recent release of a new report by MNP, an Economic Impact Analysis of Grain Farming in Ontario, we can share the great news that the sector’s economic impact continues to grow. Commissioned by Grain Farmers of Ontario, the report provides updated statistics and information to quantify the impact of grain farming — showing remarkable growth since 2010. With a 60 per cent growth in economic output — now valued at $27 billion — the grain and oilseed industry shows no sign of slowing down. And, with more than 90,000 jobs and $2 billion in government revenue (a 64 per cent increase since 2010), Grain Farmers of Ontario has a great story to tell about how important the sector is to Ontario and Canada’s economy. At the Grain Farmers of Ontario Queen’s Park reception in December, members of the Board of Directors and staff had the opportunity to share this good news with Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, MPPs from the government and opposition parties, and Queen’s Park staff. As we head into 2024, as we continue our outreach efforts to the provincial and federal governments, we will drive home the message that supporting the grain and oilseed industry in Ontario nets positive results for our rural communities, Ontario’s economy, and Canada’s reputation as a supplier of safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable crops. Achieving these incredible economic numbers is possible because farmers have the tools, information, and resources they need to increase yields, adopt new technologies, and become more efficient and sustainable. Many of these tools are developed through Grain Farmers of Ontario’s investment in research and innovation. In this edition of the Ontario Grain Farmer, you can learn more about some projects we’ve funded and hear from the researchers tackling the issues that matter to farmers. On a personal note, I want to share some sad news on behalf of the Grain Farmers of Ontario staff team. In late November, we lost a valued team member, Kim Ratz, to cancer. Kim and I had worked together for almost 20 years — before Grain Farmers of Ontario formed in 2010, we both worked for one of the legacy organizations that shared office space. Kim made invaluable contributions over the years — as production coordinator of this magazine and its predecessor, the Ontario Corn Producer. As our brand specialist, she was responsible for developing the Grain Farmers of Ontario logo and designing virtually every public-facing print and digital asset we have produced. In addition to being a dedicated and talented team member, she was a valued friend to all who worked with her over the years. We miss Kim dearly.• Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario IN MEMORY OF KIM RATZ 1963-2023 Kim’s obituary can be found at www.erbgood.com 4 From the CEO’s desk Investment nets results
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