It’s no secret that agriculture is as essential to the continued growth of Haldimand County’s economy as water is to the many crops and livestock on our farms.
The Haldimand Press spoke to local political leaders at all three levels of government for some insight on how they are working to help local farmers handle current struggles in the industry due to rising costs, potential tariffs, and taxes.
Federal – MP Leslyn Lewis
Lewis called Haldimand-Norfolk one of the “most important food producers in Canada and globally” thanks to our “vast farmlands and diverse agricultural products.”
She believes the federal carbon tax introduced by the Liberal government hurts farmers and hurts Canadians who buy the food they produce.
“For 10 years, the Trudeau Liberals, who took their advice from Mark Carney, have attacked our farmers and producers with inflationary taxes and policies that have pushed farmers in Haldimand-Norfolk to the edge and made it harder for them to continue producing the world-class food that feeds us and the world,” said Lewis.
She touted Bill C-234, a Conservative effort aimed at removing the tax, but added, “The Liberals chose instead to play games and tried to kill it in the Senate to preserve this crushing carbon tax at all costs. Now, Mark Carney is promising to ‘change’ the tax and hit our farmers with a new, bigger shadow carbon tax that will only drive up costs further for farmers in our region and Canadians who are already struggling to afford to feed their families.”
She said the Conservatives are the “only party truly fighting for our farmers and Canadian families” and praised Canadians for shopping local in the face of US threats to our agriculture industries.
Lewis concluded, “Conservatives will axe the tax once and for all for everyone and bring down costs with a ‘Bring It Home Tax Cut’ on work, investment, energy, homebuilding, and manufacturing so Canadian families can afford to feed their families and our world-class farmers can continue doing what they do best to feed us and the world.”
Provincial – MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
Brady touted her ability to put forward pro-agriculture motions in the Ontario legislature that support farmers and their families, while supporting bills that provide financial aid, tax relief, and subsidies.
“These are all items I would like to see the government focus on as we grapple with tariffs,” said Brady. “We need to get out of the way of farmers and farm families and let them do what they do best.”
Once back at Queen’s Park on April 14, Brady plans to ask the Minister of Agriculture to make an announced $100 million boost to the Risk Management Program immediate, rather than a three-year phase-in.
“I have been advocating for the bump up since 2023 and while heartened the increase has been announced, I regret the government dragged their feet on this file and waited until the eve of an election to make the announcement,” she said.
She noted a $3.5 billion five-year agreement between all three levels of government, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, meant to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sectors.
She would like to work with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to establish a standing committee on agriculture and rural affairs.
“Ontario’s agriculture sector is a major driver of our provincial economy, contributing more than $50 billion in economic activity every year, and providing jobs for about 11% of the provincial workforce – or more than 870,000 people.” she explained. “This economic powerhouse is not being adequately represented at Queen’s Park, and I would like to change that.”
Brady also wants to see an increased voice for local agricultural associations on the provincial stage.
“Our local organizations often belong to larger organizations who do a fantastic job in lobbying government – they are patient and professional. However, I do feel the Doug Ford government takes for granted the vote of rural Ontario. PCs have long been considered the government of farmers and rural Ontario, but there has been nary a mention of agriculture in budgets or fall economic statements since I was first elected in 2022.”
Finally, Brady believes infrastructure gaps are creating barriers to growth and competitiveness in agriculture, sharing some ways to improve:
Investing more in reliable, affordable internet and cellular access in rural areas.
Investing in three-phase power in rural Ontario to lower the amount of power disruptions impacting farmers.
Expanding natural gas access across rural Ontario to keep energy costs low, potentially saving up to $1 billion annually while producing “clean biogas and renewable natural gas for pipeline delivery.”
Investing in roadway and drainage maintenance.
Increased processing capacity for dairy, beef, pork, and grains, possibly utilizing space in Ontario’s industrial parks or highway corridors.
Improved policy surrounding farmland preservation: “A one size fits all approach to farmland cannot be had and we certainly cannot allow aggressive development on our most productive soils.”
Brady concluded, “In light of Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, producers staring down the hurt will need support from both the provincial and federal governments. Loan guarantees, liquidity support, and increased opportunities in market access and support at looking where new markets exist will be needed.”
Municipal – Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) Manager Lidy Romanuk
Romanuk touched on some of the ways EDT staff currently work to support the local agriculture sector:
The Business Retention Expansion Program saw County staff meet with several ag businesses in 2023 to learn about current challenges and opportunities. They are now using those replies to inform an implementation plan.
Staff seek new avenues and funding sources to help promote and market local agricultural businesses and opportunities.
Staff support and promote local job fairs, which helps participating ag businesses in hiring.
Staff develop policies and zoning bylaws aimed at supporting on-farm diversification.
The Haldimand Agricultural Advisory Committee provides insight to staff on the needs of the agricultural sector to develop targeted programs. An example of their work is the implementation of the Emily Farm 911 signage project, ensuring first responders can more quickly locate farm addresses in emergencies. This committee is made up of representatives from local agricultural organizations and producers.
Another offering is the Haldimand County Rural Water Quality Program, which provides financial incentives for rural landowners to implement projects that protect and improve water quality. Project categories include tree planting, livestock fencing, well decommissioning, soil testing, cover crops, and crop nutrient plans.
“The County continues to look for opportunities to best support the agricultural sector through various policy frameworks,” added Romanuk, noting that agriculture is a “key sector of focus” in Haldimand’s new corporate strategic plan.
EDT staff have multiple avenues to helping farms grow. The Rural Business and Tourism Community Improvement Plan offers grants for any rural business owner who wants to invest in the renovation, development, conservation, or redevelopment of their spaces. Eligibility includes projects for agricultural buildings that are open to the public for a value-added agricultural activity.
“Farmers interested in diversifying into agri-tourism can leverage learning and networking opportunities through the Haldimand Tourism Network events organized by EDT,” added Romanuk. “Agri-tourism offers a key opportunity to support farmers while enhancing rural tourism.”
To help farmers on that front, experiential tourism coaches will assist the development of tourism products and provide marketing support, which is enhanced by EDT’s marketing toolkits to encourage patrons to shop local. Current local agri-tourism experiences include maple syrup hikes and on-farm yoga sessions.
“As well, Haldimand County has an online marketplace that can be found on the tourismhaldimand.ca website that showcases local products available to be purchased online. This is a resource that is free for businesses to utilize and direct consumers back to their online store,” she said.
Haldimand further works to promote locally sourced food sources by supporting local farmers’ markets through season-specific targeted marketing campaigns.
On taxes, she shared, “All properties assessed in the Farm Property Tax class are taxed at 25% of the residential tax rate.”
Haldimand has approved the use of the optional “Small-Scale On-Farm” subclass for reduced rates to eligible properties in commercial or industrial tax classes as well.
“Council has approved the use of both the first sub-class and a further second sub-class that allows for up to $100,000 of assessment in these classes to be taxed at 25% of the regular rates,” Romanuk explained, noting that small-scale on-farm operations could save up to $2,500 a year as a result.
Finally, Haldimand offers a statutory exemption on development charges for new or enlarged farm buildings that are assessed under the Farm Tax class.
