VFO applauds investment in Risk Management Program

Veal Farmers of Ontario (VFO) applauds the milestone announcement made by the Province of Ontario that will see an increase in the province’s investment into the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) by an additional $100 million phased in over the next three years, bringing the total annual funding up to $250 million. 

Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness Minister Rob Flack made the announcement in Elgin County on Tuesday morning alongside his colleagues Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Assistant John Jordan. Minister Flack announced that the first $30 million will be available immediately for the 2025-26 program year.

“This is an important investment that will support Ontario’s veal farmers,” stated Philip Kroesbergen, VFO Chair. “Thank you to Minister Flack for his unwavering support to get this investment across the finish line and for his understanding of the many challenges and risks farmers face when growing and raising food for Ontario. The Veal RMP program is our sector’s primary business risk management tool and the additional $100 million dollars into the program will ensure veal farmers can continue to manage risks that are beyond our control and provide stability for our businesses in uncertain markets.”

The Veal RMP program is a cost-shared insurance program with the provincial government that mitigates against fluctuating market prices and cost of production. Farmers contribute premiums on an annual basis for their enrolled veal cattle production. Any funds not used in a program year are rolled over to ensure they remain available for veal farmers to access in future program years.  

“Input costs on the farm continue to go higher and markets remain uncertain,” explained Kroesbergen. “Having a fully funded RMP program for veal farmers is an important backstop so that farmers can access financing and make purchase decisions to maintain and grow their operations without having to worry as much about factors beyond our control,” he added. 

VFO would like to thank Premier Ford, Minister Bethlenfalvy, Minister Flack and all Members of Provincial Parliament and staff who have met with the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC), heard our request, and supported the need for increased investment for this critically important program for farmers and our food-producing sectors. VFO would also like to acknowledge the important contributions made to the RMP program by Minister Lisa Thompson. 

“VFO, along with our OASC colleagues, have diligently promoted the need for additional RMP program funding over the past several years and today’s funding announcement is a testament to the importance of collaboration, communication and cooperation amongst our OASC group and government partners,” stated Jennifer Haley, VFO Executive Director.

Read the full news release here.

Read the OASC news release here.

Read the OMAFA news release here.