Policy & Issues

Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is a producer-driven organization. Resolutions from our members drive BFO policy development and provide direction for the association. The BFO Board of Directors is responsible for implementing all policies and providing direction in response to emerging and recurrent issues affecting the Ontario beef sector. Development of all policies and positions are made with the best interests of the Ontario beef sector in mind while giving due regard to the specific needs of the various sectors within the industry.

Provincial Priorities (2023)

  1. Increase the cap on the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) by $100 million annually.
  2. Conduct a review with the agriculture sector of farm inspection and enforcement practices employed under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act.
  3. Commit to preserve farmland through sound provincial land use policy that sees agricultural lands, including marginal lands used for livestock grazing and carbon sequestration, protected as the highest and best use of our province’s arable land.
  4. Request support to address large food animal veterinary shortages in northern, eastern and other underserviced regions
  5. Increase investment in programs that support meat processing capacity and infrastructure, and the training, recruitment, and retention of meat cutters and butchers.

FEDERAL Priorities (2023)

  1. Address remaining BSE issues and expedite the harmonization of Canada’s SRM removal rules with the United States.
  2. Remove the BSE export certificate rule for Canada under the Canada -Korea trade deal to increase the presence of the U.S. packers competing for Ontario cattle.
  3. Seek increase to the Advance Payments Program (APP) interest-free limit beyond the 2023/24 program year.
  4. Create regulatory flexibility for commercial drivers’ hours of service when transporting livestock.
  5. Continue to prioritize meaningful and balanced market access and international trade deals that support Canadian beef farmer interests.