The agri-food system is an integrated and complex production chain beginning with primary agriculture through to food and beverage service. Ontario producers are committed to producing safe, quality food, in an environmentally responsible manner.

To assist producers with this challenge, Agricorp's Business Development Team works with producer groups to develop programs in food safety and the environment that link with established risk management programs.

To learn more about the innovative solutions Agricorp can offer your business, please call Agricorp toll free between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday at 1-888-247-4999 or email contact@agricorp.com.

Advance Payments Program
Ontario Apple Growers Project
Ontario Berry Growers Association
Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment
Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment
Ontario Grain and Oilseed Program
Plum Pox Eradication Program
Product Verification

Advance Payments Program

From 2004 until 2007, Agricorp partnered with the Ontario Soybean Growers to deliver the Advance Payments Program (APP). This program, sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provides loans to help producers better market their crops. Program changes have been made for the 2007/2008 crop year. Advances will continue to be offered by the federal government. For more information on soybean advance payment options for the 2008 crop year, please contact ACC Farmers Financial at 1 888 278-8807. For other commodity advances please visit www.agr.gc.ca/app.

Ontario Apple Growers Project

Building on the Vitis vine management system, Agricorp is working with the Ontario Apple Growers to survey Ontario apple orchards using GPS technology. Attached to each apple block is the variety, age, spacing and other pertinent data. Agricorp and the Ontario Apple Growers will use this information to gain a greater understanding of the apple industry, to develop and enhance risk management programs, and to enhance apple-marketing initiatives in food safety, traceability, and the environment.

Ontario Berry Growers Association

Ontario berry propagators are known for their ability to grow superior nuclear, foundation, and elite berry plants. Agricorp helps preserve the integrity of this industry by providing verification services to ensure that strawberry and raspberry propagation meets compliance guidelines.

Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment

In December 2007, the provincial government announced $150 million to help cattle, hog, and horticulture producers. Of that total, $130 million will be directly delivered to eligible producers through the Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment (OCHHP). Producers are eligible for this one-time payment if they received a federal Cost of Production (COP) payment or Ontario Cost Recognition Top-up Payment, and had at least half of their sales as reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) come from any combination of cattle, hogs or horticulture in either 2005 or 2006. Payments will be based on individual producers' historical Allowable Net Sales.

For more information on the Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment, view the brochure in PDF format or call Agricorp at 1-877-838-5144.

Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment

In March 2006, the provincial government announced $35 million in funding under the Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment. This one-time payment compensated Ontario producers of edible horticulture crops for losses experienced on their 2005 crop. Producers who farmed eligible edible horticulture crops in 2005 were eligible for this benefit. By the end of 2006, Agricorp had issued over $35 million to 4,562 customers under this program on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

For more information about the Ontario Edible Horticulture Crop Payment, view the brochure in PDF format, or call 1-877-838-5144.

This program is now closed.

Ontario Grain and Oilseed Program

In March 2006, the provincial government announced $80 million in funding under the Ontario Grain and Oilseed Program. This one-time program compensated Ontario grain and oilseed producers for losses experienced on their 2005 crop. Producers who planted and harvested eligible grain and oilseed crops in 2005 were eligible for this benefit. By the end of 2006, Agricorp had issued over $75 million to 19,444 customers under this program on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

For more information about the Ontario Grain and Oilseed Program, view the brochure in PDF format, or call 1-888-247-4999.

This program is now closed.

Plum Pox Eradication Program

Agricorp is under contract with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to support the federal and provincial governments' strategy to eradicate plum pox in Ontario (a virus affecting tender fruit trees). Agricorp also delivers financial assistance to commercial fruit growers and nursery operations, which have orchards or stock that have been affected by the virus. To date, affected growers have received over $13.5 million in asset loss assistance.

Product Verification

Under contract with the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency (CEMA), Agricorp provides product verification services to help assure market stability in the egg production industry. Agricorp's service accomplishes three objectives:

Verification that shipments destined for egg-breakers do indeed arrive at the plant
Verification that the shipment weights and measures are accurate
Verification that the egg shipments received are broken and processed, and do not enter the marketplace as fresh eggs.