ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER FROM THE CEO’S DESK 4 From the CEO's desk In an uncertain world, reliability matters. Global agriculture is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, and shifting trade policies. In recent years, input costs, particularly fertilizer costs, have been affected by export restrictions, shipping disruptions, or conflicts half a world away. Yet every spring, Ontario grain farmers still head to their fields with the same goal: producing safe, sustainable crops that feed people, fuel transportation, and support economies here at home and around the world. That reliability starts with stewardship. For years, Ontario grain farmers have been focused on responsible fertilizer use. That approach is not only good for the environment -- it’s good business. Fertilizer is one of the largest input costs for grain farmers, and efficient nutrient use helps ensure every dollar invested delivers value. But those costs are under pressure. Global fertilizer markets are facing volatility driven by several factors, including tariffs imposed on imports to Canada, export restrictions in China, reduced production in Europe, and shipping disruptions in major fertilizerexporting regions in the Middle East. For farmers in Eastern Canada, this challenge is unfortunately not new. Grain Farmers of Ontario has made resolving this issue a priority in discussions with both the federal and provincial governments — including directly with our Federal Minister of Agriculture, Ontario’s Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. The message is straightforward: access to fertilizer is fundamental to food production in Eastern Canada. The recent volatility in global fertilizer markets is exposing the very challenge farmers have been warning about. Without reliable access to fertilizer at a reasonable price, farmers face greater uncertainty just as they prepare for spring planting. For several years now, Grain Farmers of Ontario has raised concerns with government about fertilizer supply risks and the structural disadvantages Canadian farmers face compared to competitors in other jurisdictions. Tariffs and sanctions on fertilizer from Russia and Belarus continue to increase costs for Canadian farmers. At the same time, producers in the United States and other countries can access these inputs without similar restrictions. That creates a clear competitiveness gap. Farmers cannot influence geopolitical conflicts or global shipping routes. But they can control how responsibly they manage their land and inputs. In Ontario, the results of that stewardship reach far beyond the farm gate. Ontario corn, for example, plays an important role in Canada’s growing biofuels sector. Ethanol blended into gasoline helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening domestic energy security. Biofuels are an important market for farmers, and a significant environmental success story. Policies such as Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations have helped drive demand for ethanol, creating a stable market while improving the carbon footprint of transportation fuels. With the right investment environment, Ontario has an opportunity to expand that success even further. New investment in ethanol production would support rural economies, strengthen domestic fuel supplies, and help Canada meet its climate goals. Crosby Devitt, CEO Grain Farmers of Ontario When input markets are destabilized, it becomes harder for farmers to plan and invest with confidence. Soybeans grown in Ontario tell another part of the sustainability story. Through the Canadian Sustainable Soy program, developed by Soy Canada with Grain Farmers of Ontario as a founding member, international buyers can verify that Canadian food-grade soybeans are produced using responsible environmental and labour practices that meet rigorous sustainability standards. Initiatives like this, along with 4R nutrient stewardship and biofuel production, demonstrate that Ontario farmers are already delivering the environmental performance that markets are asking for. But those efforts depend on a policy environment that supports long-term investment. Farmers make decisions years in advance. Investments in soil health, crop production systems, and farm equipment are long-term commitments. When input markets are destabilized by tariffs or global disruptions, it becomes harder for farmers to plan and invest with confidence. The solution is not more uncertainty – it is policy stability that allows farmers to keep doing what they do best. Ontario farmers are demonstrating that productivity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. And in a world looking for reliable suppliers of food, fuel, and agricultural products, that leadership matters more than ever. •
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