English French
Become a Member
Login
FR
Become a Member
Login

Government Advocacy

Welcome to the Government Relations (GR) / Advocacy page, exclusively available for OPMA members. Here, you’ll find essential information on what issues the OPMA’s GR Committee is taking action on, and resources if you want to also pursue your own advocacy efforts.

    1. Finding Your MPP's Contact Info

    Ensure your voice is heard by reaching out to your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Use the link below to find your MPP's contact information:


    2. Importance of Advocacy

    Advocacy is crucial for shaping policies that affect Ontario's produce industry. By engaging with policymakers, we can address regulatory challenges, promote market access, support innovation, and secure a favorable business environment. Our collective advocacy efforts can make a difference in advancing the interests of all produce businesses in Ontario and the broader industry.


    3. OPMA's Current Issues

    Stay informed about the issues OPMA is currently focused on. These include:

    Student Nutrition - Increasing Produce Consumption in Schools

    • Issue Outline: Ontario's Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) feeds students by coordinating large-scale partnerships. The Federal Government announced the launch of a long-awaited national school food program.
    • Status: The Federal government announced its one-billion-dollar plan for student nutrition programs to deliver meals to 400,000 students annually by the 2024-2025 school year.
    • OPMA Actions to Date: OPMA donates annually to Student Nutrition Ontario. In summer 2024, OPMA and GR Committee members met virtually with members of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to reiterate OPMA's interest in being involved in the National School Food Program. In October 2024, OPMA sent out a survey to all members.
    • Background Material: Federal Food Program

    Promotion of Produce Sector Jobs

    • Issue Outline: Many jobs in produce/agriculture go unfilled, limiting the industry's potential. Ontario can play a role in education/training about opportunities in agriculture.
    • Status: The Ontario government allocated initial funding to promote agricultural jobs. However, more direction and substantive action is needed in this area.
    • OPMA Actions to Date: OPMA discussed the issue with OMAFRA Minister Lisa Thompson at Queen's Park in 2023.
    • Background Material: Promoting Agriculture and Food Careers Initiative Guidelines

    Federal Plastics Regulations

    • Issue Outline: Federal regulatory initiatives (Federal Plastics Registry, Labelling and Recycled Content Regulations, Pollution Prevention Notice for Primary Food Packaging) will impact domestic and imported fresh produce.
    • Status: The OPMA is actively monitoring this issue. CPMA is actively leading the advocacy initiatives on this issue.
    • OPMA Actions to Date: Letter to Minister Thompson (February 2024) and notice to OPMA members with a template letter.
    • Background Material: Federal Report, VCMI Report, Letter to Minister Thompson Feb 2024

    Expansion of the Community Food Donation Tax Credit

    • Issue Outline: The Community Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers is a non-refundable tax credit. Expanding eligibility to processors, distributors and retailers would minimize food waste and support those in need.
    • Status: OPMA continues to advocate for the expansion of the tax credit to processors, distributors, and retailers.
    • OPMA Actions to Date: The OPMA began highlighting the benefits of expanding eligibility in the Fall of 2023.
    • Background Material: Government of Ontario - Community food program donation tax credit

    4. OPMA Submissions to Government Consultations and Advocacy Letters


    5. Key Stats and Information

    Arm yourself with key statistics and information to include in your speaking notes and letters to MPPs. Here are some relevant data points about Ontario's fruit and vegetable sector:

    • Generates more than $4.2 billion in economic activity annually, including over $3.16 billion of farmgate sales, over one-third of Canada's total production.
    • Grows more than 125 different fruit and vegetable crops.
    • Exports $1.5 billion annually – almost half from the greenhouse vegetable sector.
    • Employs more than 30,000 people directly on-farm, and generates an additional 66,000 indirect jobs.
    • Generates approximately $600 million in tax revenues for all three levels of government.

    Feel free to use these stats and information to strengthen your advocacy efforts and make a compelling case to policymakers.


    6. Additional Resources

    By providing these resources and information, the OPMA aims to empower members to effectively engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that support the growth and sustainability of Ontario's produce industry. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and shape the future of our industry.