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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:

    1. Student Nutrition - Increasing Produce Consumption in Schools

    Issue Outline: Increasing produce consumption among youth is a critical priority for the health of our province. Unfortunately, studies show that Canadians are eating fewer vegetables and fruits year over year. This trend has a significant negative impact on overall public health and leads to higher healthcare costs for Ontario.

    To combat this decline, fresh fruits and vegetables must be a core objective of all school food programs. However, for these programs to be healthy, safe, and equitable across the province, schools require the proper infrastructure. This means ensuring schools have the necessary staff, space, and equipment, including proper kitchens and cafeterias in any future new school builds or remodel plans.

    Status: The Ontario government has announced funding for a provincial school food program rolling out in 2025, with additional funding announced in October 2025. In a positive step forward, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) have collaborated to increase student nutrition funding for 2025-2026 by $5 million, bringing the total budget to $37.5 million.

    Additionally, the Ministry of Education updated its Science and Technology curriculum in 2022 to enhance food literacy. This updated curriculum focuses on teaching students where food comes from, the importance of sourcing local food, and how food is grown and prepared.

    OPMA Actions to Date:

  • Working group leadership: OPMA President Rebecca Harris was invited to serve as a member of the Implementation Working Group for the Student Nutrition Program on October 17, 2025
  • Strategic advocacy: We actively support the development of a provincial school food program where all students have access to fresh produce, while strongly advocating for the purchase and use of local Ontario fresh produce in the program
  • Government collaboration: We are continuing our long-term partnerships and work with Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO), MCCSS, and other government agencies to share sector knowledge and develop an efficient, province-wide program
  • Consumer campaigns: We continue to run the Produce Made Simple campaign, which aims to increase overall produce consumption, and we are highlighting this program as a valuable resource for teachers and schools to support student food literacy
  • Experiential learning: We are offering to coordinate member site tours for MPPs and their staff, as well as offering to coordinate student tours of the Ontario Food Terminal (OFT) to enhance food literacy education

    • Background Material

  • The provincial school food program aims to establish healthy eating practices and nutrition enhancement as core objectives for all students, no matter their location in Ontario
  • The government is relaunching the "Healthy Students Brighter Ontario" community fundraising campaign in recognition of the key role grassroots partnerships have in building stronger communities
  • As the campaign kicks off, partner organizations will work with local businesses and community leaders toward an additional grassroots fundraising goal of $5 million
  • OPMA is looking at opportunities to offer our support by promoting this community campaign directly to our membership

    • 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.