Published Results-based Plan 2011-12In 2011-2012, the ministry will focus on increasing the consumption of local foods, expanding export opportunities for Ontario's agri-food sector, launching a grape transition program, economic development, helping cattle, hog, sheep and veal farmers by implementing a new Risk Management Program, and a Self-Directed Risk Management Program for the edible horticulture sector, and supporting government initiatives involving the Water Strategy and the Great Lakes. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural AffairsOMAFRA_29af4734-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad2Ontario GovernmentThe ministry's vision supports the Ontario government's agenda of strengthening our economy, fostering rural development, ensuring a reliable energy supply, protecting our shared environment, fostering better health and serving the public interest.Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)To better serve the agri-food industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs relies on 12 agencies, boards and commissions. Some, such as the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal, have an adjudicative role. Others are operational service or enterprise agencies. Agricorp, for example, administers production insurance programs to provide farmers with protection against natural hazards and delivers income stabilization payments. The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission is a regulatory agency which supervises the province's 20 marketing boards and four representative commodity associations.The following is a complete list of agencies, boards and commissions for which the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible. Only those entities with assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses greater than $50 million, or an annual surplus or deficit or outside revenue source of greater than $10 million, are consolidated in the ministry's results-based plan.Agricorp (Operational Enterprise)Agricorp is an Ontario government agency created in 1997 with the mandate of delivering crop insurance and other agricultural business risk management (BRM) programs. The two key programs currently delivered by Agricorp are: AgriStability, to protect producers against declines in margin; and Production Insurance, to protect crop producers from losses caused by adverse weather and other natural perils. Agricorp also delivers the Risk Management Program, the Farm Business Registration (FBR) program and the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) on behalf of the province.Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (Adjudicative Agency)The role of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal is to provide citizens one place to file their appeals on agricultural issues and have them heard by an impartial and knowledgeable tribunal. The Tribunal hears applications and appeals made under approximately 19 statutes including the Drainage Act, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act (for appeals of decisions made under the Milk Act, and the Farm Products Marketing Act), the Crop Insurance Act, the Assessment Act, the Farm Implements Act, and the Food Safety and Quality Act. Most Tribunal members also serve on the Board of Negotiation (BON) established under the Environmental Protection Act.Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) (Operational Service)The primary role of ARIO is to provide strategic advice to the minister regarding research priorities and resource allocation in order to deliver high quality agriculture, food and rural research. This advice is integral to the ministry's decision-making process to determine where to allocate research funding. In addition, in 2007, ownership and management of the province's agri-food research infrastructure (14 provincial research stations and three agricultural colleges), critical to the future success of Ontario's agri-food and rural sectors and a key component of overall provincial economic growth, was transferred from the government to ARIO.Board of Negotiation (Adjudicative Agency)The role of the Board of Negotiation is to negotiate a fair settlement of a claim where a contaminant is causing or has caused injury or damage to livestock or to crops, trees or other vegetation. (Consolidated into the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal as of December 1999).Boards Under the Farm Products Payments ActUnder the Farm Products Payments Act, funds and boards are established to: protect producers from non-payment by dealers; investigate claims; grant or refuse payment of claims; and determine the amounts and manner of payment. Boards administering funds under the Farm Products Payment Act are the Grain Financial Protection Board and Livestock Financial Protection Board. Both boards under this Act are "trust agencies." Grain Financial Protection Board (Trust Agency). This board collects fees and administers The Fund for Grain Corn Producers, The Fund for Soybean Producers, and The Fund for Canola Producers and the Fund for Wheat Producers. It approves claims made under the Grain Financial Protection Program, to protect producers of grain corn, canola, soybeans and wheat in the event of default on payment by a licensed buyer. Livestock Financial Protection Board(Trust Agency). This board collects fees, administers The Fund for Livestock Producers and reviews claims made against it under the Ontario Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program, to protect producers and other sellers of beef cattle in the event of default on payment by a licensed buyer.Livestock Medicines Advisory Committee(Advisory Agency)This committee reviews all legislation and regulations pertaining to livestock medicines; inquires into and reports to the Minister on any matter referred to the committee by the Minister; advises the Minister on matters relating to the control and regulation of livestock medicines; evaluates and recommends procedures relating to the sale of livestock medicines and proper standards for maintenance, handling and storage of livestock medicines; and makes recommendations with respect to the description of drugs, or classes of drugs, as livestock medicines and the designation of livestock medicines for sale under a licence or any class of licence.Normal Farm Practices Protection Board(Adjudicative Agency)The Normal Farm Practices Protection Board hears appeals which arise under the Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998. The Act protects 'normal farm practices' from nuisance complaints and municipal bylaws.(Regulatory Agency)The Commission supervises Ontario's 20 marketing boards and four representative commodity associations created under the Farm Products Marketing Act and the Milk Act; develops, recommends and implements policy with respect to regulated marketing in Ontario in consultation with the Minister; provides education programs to Ontario's marketing boards and industry stakeholders to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulated marketing system; and provides leadership to marketing boards and representative associations. The Commission is also responsible for the enactment of milk and milk product quality regulations under the Milk Act which are then enforced by the director named under the Milk Act.Ontario Food Terminal Board (Operational Enterprise)The Ontario Food Terminal is the largest wholesale fruit and produce distribution center in Canada. It was established in 1954 to provide a convenient, efficient and low cost receiving and shipping facility for wholesalers of fruit and produce, and now serves all of Eastern Canada and some of the Northern States.All operational aspects of the Ontario Food Terminal are overseen by the Ontario Food Terminal Board. The Board, consisting of seven members, acts like a landlord for the Terminal. Its mandate is to acquire, construct, equip and operate a wholesale fruit and produce market. The Ontario Food Terminal consists of warehouse tenants and farmer market tenants. Warehouse tenants market imported and domestic grown fruits and vegetables, whereas farmer market tenants provide only Ontario and Canadian grown.Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel(Advisory Agency)The Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel (REDAP) is a volunteer panel appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs who have expertise in rural economic development. The REDAP is chaired by the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and meets on an "as needed" basis but at least quarterly. Panel members review project applications for various rural economic development programs and make recommendations for funding to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.Ontario AgriStability Review Committee (Advisory Agency)The AgriStability program, delivered by Agricorp, was established to provide producers with effective tools to manage business risks. A program participant may submit a review request in the case of disagreement with how AgriStability program rules were applied to the participant's application. The Ontario AgriStability Review Committee is responsible for hearing review requests of Agricorp decisions in relation to program applications and making non-binding recommendations to Agricorp.thriving rural Ontario, agriculture and food sectors_29af4a4a-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad2To be a catalyst for transforming our agriculture and food sectors and rural communities for a healthy Ontario._29af4ba8-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad2Agriculture and Food SectorsThriving Agriculture and Food Sectors_29af4cb6-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21Agriculture Sector in OntarioFood Sector in OntarioThe Ontario agri-food industry contributes to economic, social and physical health of rural communities, the province and its people.Agri-food contributes more than $30 billion to the provincial economy in terms of GDP, and employs more than 700,000 people. Ontario has the most diversified agricultural sector in the country.The industry is working smarter, more efficiently and more environmentally responsibly than ever before. It is producing safe food. Ontario agricultural commodities and by-products are going into cleaner, greener bio-products and fuels.Emerging OpportunitiesPosition the sector to capitalize on emerging opportunities._29af4dce-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.1In 2011-2012, the ministry will continue helping position the sector to capitalize on emerging opportunities - in domestic and international markets, as well as in new, value-added products and leading-edge technologies.Risk ManagementContinue the Risk Management Program for grain and oilseed farmers and develop a new Risk Management Program for the cattle, hog, sheep and veal sectors, as well as a Self-Directed Risk Management Program for the edible horticulture sector._29af4ee6-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.2Grain Farmers in OntarioOilseed Farmers in OntarioCattle Sector in OntarioHog Sector in OntarioSheep Sector in Ontario Veal Sector in OntarioEdible Horticulture Sector in OntarioTo provide the predictability, bankability and stability producers need to manage risk and take advantage of new opportunities, the ministry will continue the Risk Management Program for grain and oilseed farmers and develop a new Risk Management Program for the cattle, hog, sheep and veal sectors, as well as a Self-Directed Risk Management Program for the edible horticulture sector.Growing ForwardContinue to deliver the Growing Forward programs._29af4ffe-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.3The ministry will continue to deliver the current Growing Forward programs while working to bring the federal government to the table to provide their 60% funding for the farmer developed risk management programs in Ontario.National PolicyWork with federal/provincial/territorial partners and industry stakeholders to develop the next generation of the national policy framework._29af513e-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.4The Ministry will also continue to work with federal/provincial/territorial partners and industry stakeholders to develop the next generation of the national policy framework.Agriculture-Wildlife ConflictImplement the agriculture-wildlife conflict strategy._29af527e-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.5Ontario Ministry of Natural ResourcesLivestock Producers in OntarioThe ministry will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and stakeholders to implement the agriculture-wildlife conflict strategy, which includes a new wildlife damage compensation program for livestock.Market PromotionIncrease the exposure of domestic foods in national and international markets._29af53b4-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.6In 2011-2012, the ministry plans to build on the success of the Foodland Ontario program by increasing the exposure of domestic foods in national and international markets. Social media engagement with consumers will expand through the use of web, twitter, online videos and Facebook, to encourage increased Ontario food purchases. Collaboration will continue with Ontario's retail, food service sectors and food media. The ministry will also continue working with stakeholder groups and invest in increasing Ontario food availability in the broader public sector, farmers markets, and on-farm markets.Export Markets & Foreign InvestmentExplore and capture export markets and foreign investment._29af551c-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad21.7The ministry will also continue vigorously exploring and capturing export markets and foreign investment. In May, 2011, the ministry will have a significant presence at the internationally-recognized SIAL Canada trade show, being held in Toronto for the first time, and will be presenting the 2011 Ontario Food Exporter Award. Rural CommunitiesStrong Rural Communities_29af5670-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22Rural Communities in OntarioRural Ontario has a long tradition of innovation, environmental stewardship and economic strength, and the ministry continues to be supportive. The ministry knows that when our rural families, businesses and communities prosper, Ontario's economy grows stronger and all Ontarians benefit.High-Speed InternetProvide more families and businesses in rural Ontario with access to high-speed internet service._29af57d8-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.1Families in Rural OntarioBusinesses in Rural OntarioIn 2011-2012, the ministry will continue providing more families and businesses in rural Ontario with access to high-speed internet service. More than a quarter million rural residents and businesses are expected to have access to high speed internet, thanks to projects that will be completed by 2012. Digital Economy StrategyEnsure that rural Ontario's priorities and needs are appropriately reflected in the development of Ontario's digital economy strategy._29af5968-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.2The ministry will also work with Ministry of Government Services to ensure that rural Ontario's priorities and needs are appropriately reflected in the development of Ontario's digital economy strategy.Rural Economic DevelopmentStrengthen rural Ontario by investing in rural projects through the Rural Economic Development program. _29af5ada-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.3Rural OntarioThe ministry will continue strengthening rural Ontario by investing in rural projects through the Rural Economic Development program. These projects will contribute to job creation/retention and community development.Stimulus FundsManage and deliver the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and stimulus component of the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component._29af5c4c-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.4On behalf of the Ontario government, the ministry will continue to manage and deliver the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and stimulus component of the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component to their conclusions on October 31, 2011.Water ConservationImprove water conservation and efficiency in small community water and wastewater systems._29af5e7c-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.5Small Communities in OntarioTo help small rural and northern communities receive clean, safe and affordable water and wastewater services, Ontario has introduced the third phase of the Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program (OSWAP-3).OSWAP-3 will provide $50 million in capital funding over four years so small communities can improve water conservation and efficiency in their water and wastewater systems. Municipalities and Local Services Boards that own residential drinking water or wastewater systems servicing 5,000 and fewer residents are eligible to apply for funding. The program will result in a total investment of up to $75 million, based on a cost-sharing formula of two-thirds provincial funding and one-third municipal funding.Rural Issues & PerspectivesEnsure that rural issues and perspectives are considered in provincial policy and program development._29af6016-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad22.6Going forward, the ministry will continue to work with other ministries across the Ontario government to ensure that rural issues and perspectives are considered in provincial policy and program development. Food, Animals & EnvironmentSafe Food, Healthy Animals, Healthy Environment_29af61a6-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23In 2011-2012 the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will continue our commitment to ensure safe food, healthy animals and a healthy environment for all Ontarians.Animal Health LegislationContinue to build hazard response capacity and ongoing regulation development under the new animal health legislation._29af6368-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23.1With regards to animal health, the ministry will continue to build hazard response capacity and ongoing regulation development under the new animal health legislation.TraceabilityEngage stakeholders to increase the profile of traceability and continue to work with our federal, provincial and territorial partners to develop a national traceability system._29af650c-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23.2The ministry will continue to engage stakeholders to increase the profile of traceability and continue to work with our federal, provincial and territorial partners to develop a national traceability system. The ministry is committed to building a robust provincial agri-food premises registry as a critical tool to assist in delivering agri-food emergency management services.Climate Change Action PlanMeet our commitments under the Climate Change Action Plan._29af66b0-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23.3In 2011-2012 the ministry will continue to meet our commitments under the Climate Change Action Plan ... Agriculture-Based BiomassCollaborate with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Ministry of Energy to examine the potential for agriculture-based biomass._29af689a-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23.4Ontario Power Generation (OPG)Ontario Ministry of Energy... and we will collaborate with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and the Ministry of Energy to examine the potential for agriculture-based biomass.Water StrategySupport initiatives under the government's Water Strategy._29af6a48-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad23.5The ministry will also continue to support initiatives under the government's Water Strategy, including efforts to conserve and protect the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe. InnovationProvide the foundation for delivering our priorities and developing as a high-performance ministry._29af6c0a-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad24The ministry has put in place several initiatives that provide the foundation for delivering our priorities and developing as a high-performance ministry.Diversity & InclusionIdentify opportunities to integrate diversity and inclusion into human resources and business practices._29af6df4-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad24.1In 2011-2012, the ministry will continue to use our diversity strategy, Rooted in Diversity: A Place for Everyone to identify opportunities to integrate diversity and inclusion into human resources and business practices of the ministry.Controllership Action PlanImplement our Controllership Action Plan._29af6fca-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad24.2The ministry will be implementing its new Controllership Action Plan, a long-tem management framework that will help establish a proactive and comprehensive controllership environment at OMAFRA.Strategy & Planning ToolImplement an Information Management/Information Technology strategy and planning tool._29af733a-0680-11e2-9750-63ae74a44ad24.3A new Information Management/Information Technology strategy and planning tool will be implemented that better focuses the ministry's IM and IT resources to meet strategic priorities as well as improve external client services and internal business performance through better management of information, education and collaborative partnerships. 2012-09-24http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/rbp/1112/1112.htmOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net