Ontario will add another $80 million in assistance
through the Market Revenue Insurance Program and NISA (Net Income
Stabilization Assistance) companion program. Market revenue will add $55
million while NISA will increase the payout by $24 million.
The support is in addition to the $1.2 billion
announced by the federal government, with Ontario pledging 40 per cent.
The change to market revenue increases support to
grains and oil seeds from 85 per cent to 90 per cent, and apply to both
the 2001 and 2002 crop.
In addition, The Gross Revenue Insurance Plan (GRIP)
will be fully paid out by the end of 2002. The federal portion is
estimated at $62.8 million while the provincial portion is $37.6 million.
Buckwheat, rye, sorghum, millet and spelt have been
added to the eligible list. Asecond payment of $40 million will be made
shortly.
Ontario farmers will be able to contribute two per cent
of eligible net sales for the 2001 crop year, with provincial governments
adding 50 per cent of the farmer contribution.
The funds are in addition to the $5.2 billion announced
in June at Buckstop Farms in Spencerville.
Both the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Grain
and Oil Seed growers issued press releases saying they are pleased.
But the grain growers say Ontario needs a policy that will see growers
through to 2007, if Ontario producers are to survive the largesse of the
U.S. Farm Bill.
