EDEN — The Ontario government is significantly increasing its annual funding for the Risk Management Program (RMP), boosting it from $150 million to $250 million. This additional $100 million investment will help farmers navigate market challenges, strengthen their long-term business stability, and reinforce Ontario’s $51 billion agri-food sector.

“Our government made a commitment to enhance the RMP, and today, we are delivering on that promise with this historic funding increase,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “Ontario’s farmers are among the best in the world, and we remain focused on ensuring they have the resilience and support needed to thrive in an ever-changing market.”

The funding increase will be introduced over three years, starting with a $30 million boost for the 2025 program year, and reaching $250 million annually by 2027. Farmers’ premium contributions will remain at 35 per cent of government funding, following the current phase-in structure.

“Farmers across Ontario work hard every day to feed our growing province, and they need a government that stands with them during times of economic uncertainty,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “This investment not only protects thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity but also secures the long-term future of Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector.”

This latest increase builds on the $50 million annual expansion of the RMP in 2020, which brought the program’s total funding to $150 million. It also complements the 2023 enhancements to AgriStability, where compensation rates rose from 70 per cent to 80 per cent—a change Ontario strongly advocated for at the federal level to better support farms experiencing significant margin declines due to unforeseen production losses.

Currently, the RMP supports 8,500 farms across Ontario that produce livestock, grains, oilseeds, and edible horticulture through the Self-Directed Risk Management stream. The program is a critical pillar of the province’s agri-food supply chain, sustaining over 383,000 jobs and contributing $24 billion to Ontario’s economy.

Quick Facts:

  • Ontario leads the nation in farmer support, with RMP helping protect producers from unpredictable market conditions, such as fluctuating costs and prices, so they can compete globally with confidence.
  • The program is administered by Agricorp, a Crown corporation responsible for delivering risk management and business support initiatives to Ontario’s agricultural industry.

What Industry Leaders Are Saying:

“This investment in the RMP comes at a critical time, given the increasing risks farmers face. It is one of the most impactful decisions the province could make for our sector. We sincerely appreciate Premier Ford’s leadership, the support from MPPs, and Minister Flack’s unwavering commitment to strengthening risk protection for Ontario farmers. Today, we have 100 million reasons to celebrate.”
— Craig McLaughlin, President, Beef Farmers of Ontario

“This boost to the Risk Management Program provides farmers with greater financial stability, ensuring they can continue producing the food Ontarians rely on while keeping jobs in our communities and driving billions of dollars in economic activity. We are grateful to the government for this commitment.”
— Jeff Harrison, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario

“With the growing season ahead, this funding arrives at an important time. After several tough years for the industry, this increase will give growers the confidence to invest in equipment, labor, and inputs, supporting Ontario’s ability to produce fresh, safe, locally grown fruits and vegetables.”
— Shawn Brenn, Chair, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association

“Ontario’s pork producers welcome this funding expansion, which will help ensure the RMP is more responsive to the challenges farmers face. Strengthening this program allows producers to focus on innovation, job creation, and market expansion while continuing to supply high-quality pork to Ontario consumers.”
— Tara Terpstra, Chair, Ontario Pork

“This additional investment in RMP will be vital for Ontario’s lamb producers, whose participation in the program has doubled since 2020. The government’s commitment will help both current and new sheep farmers expand production to meet the province’s increasing demand for lamb.”
— Art Alblas, Chair, Ontario Sheep Farmers

“On behalf of Veal Farmers of Ontario, we thank Minister Flack for his dedication to supporting Ontario farmers. This additional $100 million in funding ensures that farmers can continue to manage risks beyond their control while maintaining stability in unpredictable markets.”
— Phil Kroesbergen, Chair, Veal Farmers of Ontario

“The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has long advocated for increased investment in the RMP, and we are pleased to see the government follow through on its commitment. This historic funding boost will provide much-needed stability for Ontario farmers at a time of growing market uncertainty.”
— Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture