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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

CAP Funding for Producers

1

CEWS & Rent Subsidy

1

CEBA Updates 2

OPMA Awards 2

Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection

2

2021 Production Insurance

3

OFVC Educational Series

3

Save the Dates 3

Preparing for 2021 Season Webinar

4

CALA Program 5

National Commodity List Expanded

5

FOI Request Update

5

Foodland Calendars

5

CanAg Plus AGM 6

In Memoriam 6

Holiday Office Closure

6

DECEMBER 2020

Newsletter

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

CAP Funding for Producers - Now OpenThere are 2 areas of funding available. Deadline for applications is January 6, 2021:Deadline for applications is January 6, 2021:Click here for details related to CAP Producer Hort categories - https://ontarioprogramguides.net/category/producer/crops-and-horticulture-producer/Click here for details related to CAP Other Business categories - https://ontarioprogramguides.net/category/other-business/enhancing-plant-health-other/

If you have a specific project idea in mind, you are strongly encouraged to speak with an OSCIA rep before submitting the application. You should also plan to submit the application as soon as possible. Contact: OSCIA Field Staff | OSCIA (ontariosoilcrop.org). If your rep isn’t available (they are sometimes leading workshops) please try calling a different rep for assistance.

CEWS and Rent SubsidyThere have been changes announced to the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) including the introduction of the Emergency Rent Subsidy to businesses, non profits and charities, with details as follows:• the subsidy is extended to June 2021• the maximum subsidy rate for periods 8 to 10 will remain at 65% (40% base rate + 25% top-up)• beginning in period 8, the top-up rate and base rate are now calculated using the same

one-month revenue drop or periods 8 to 10 (use the new top-up calculation or the previous 3-month average drop, whichever works in your favour)

• the deadline to apply is January 31, 2021, or 180 days after the end of the claim period, whichever comes later

• starting in period 9, the calculation for employees on leave with pay now aligns better with EI benefits

• you can now calculate pre-crisis pay (baseline remuneration) for employees who were on certain kinds of leave, retroactive to period 5

• the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) has been introduced for businesses, non-profits, and charities

• Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.

• This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

Further details can be found at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-what-changes.html

http://www.belchim.com/https://nufarm.com/ca/?region=west&region_ttl=0https://ontarioprogramguides.net/category/other-business/enhancing-plant-health-other/https://ontarioprogramguides.net/category/other-business/enhancing-plant-health-other/https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/contact-us/oscia-field-staff/https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/contact-us/oscia-field-staff/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=canadian-agricultural-partnership-intake-dates-announced_39https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-who-employees.html#baselineremunerationhttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-who-employees.html#baselineremunerationhttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-what-changes.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-what-changes.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-what-changes.html

Page 2DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE

Canadian Emergency Business AccountCEBA requirements and deadlines have changed:• As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible

businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.• Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan

may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

• All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

Details at the following link: https://ceba-cuec.ca/

OPMA AwardsFive of the Ontario produce industry’s hardworking individuals were honoured November 19 at the Ontario Produce Marketing Association’s (OPMA) Virtual Awards Ceremony.

• The Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award - Peter Quiring, founder and president of Nature Fresh Farms

• The OPMA Fresh Award - Tom Heeman, chair of the Berry Growers of Ontario

• The OPMA Outstanding Achievement Award - Joe Sbrocchi

• OPMA Lifetime Achievement Award - Gord Love from North American Produce Buyers & Vince Pillitteri from Seaway Farms.

Vince has been active in the Niagara Tender Fruit Industry since 1970. A prominent member of several organizations, Vince has dedicated his life to growing and improving the Ontario produce industry. Congrats Vince!

Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Protection Program On October 13, 2020 the federal and provincial ministers of agriculture announced Ontario’s share of the federal emergency housing funding originally announced in July. This funding is being delivered in Ontario as part of the Enhanced Agri-Food Workplace Program and the details of this funding have now been updated on OMAFRA’s website. There are different program guides available, depending on the size and type of project being undertaken:

On-Farm Worker Safety Improvement Program: Larger project funding (60% funding up to 100K per business/property for projects over $15,000)

Program Guide: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/agrifoodprogram_guide3.htm#cost

Application Form: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/agrifoodprogramfwsi.pdf

Occupational Health and Safety Measures: Projects to implement preventative health and safety measures (now up to $15,000 from previous $7,500)

Program Guide: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/agrifoodprogram_guide1-2.htm

Application form: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/agrifoodprogramohsm.pdf

Supports for extraordinary costs resulting from employees that test positive for COVID-19:The Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program also provides funding support to eligible employers faced with extraordinary costs related to worker isolation and employee wage supports due to a positive COVID-19 test result.

More information: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/agrifoodprogramwwie.pdf

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DECEMBER 2020 ISSUEPage 3

2021 Production Insurance Coverage This year, producers have more time to assess their individual circumstances and make informed decisions on insurance coverage.

Due to the current circumstances, Agricorp has updated the following timelines for the 2021 program year:• Producers have until January 4, 2021, to sign up and

make coverage changes. Coverage options and premium rates are now available on agricorp.com

• We are waiving the premium deposit – customer will receive an invoice for the full amount of premium in the spring of 2021.

• Producers will receive their 2021 Production Insurance renewal package in late January.

New coverage levels availableStarting this year, customers can buy more Production Insurance coverage for their fruit crops. The government has added new coverage levels for more options and flexibility to manage the risks. Visit agricorp.com to learn more about this change and the 2021 rates for fruit crops.

Links to the Webpages:• Grapes: https://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/

ProductionInsurance/Grapes/Pages/Rates.aspx• Grapes claim prices: https://www.agricorp.com/

SiteCollectionDocuments/PI-GrapeClaimPrices-en.pdf • Peaches and nectarines: https://www.agricorp.com/en-

ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/PeachesNectarines/Pages/Rates.aspx

• Pears: https://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/Pears/Pages/Rates.aspx

• Sweet Cherries: https://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SweetCherries/Pages/Rates.aspx

• Sour Cherries: https://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SourCherries/Pages/Rates.aspx

OFVC Educational Series

Save the Dates: AGMsDue to the uncertainty of what restrictions will be placed on public gatherings early in the new year and out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone’s health, the board of directors has determined that the Tender Fruit Annual

General meetings will be held virtually via zoom in 2021 as follows with more details to follow in the new year:• March 30th – Districts 3 and 4 (Essex, Chatham-Kent

and Lambton)• March 31st - District 5 (Brant, Elgin, Haldimand and

Norfolk)• April 1st- Districts 1 and 2 (Niagara Region)

https://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/Grapes/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/Grapes/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/PI-GrapeClaimPrices-en.pdfhttps://www.agricorp.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/PI-GrapeClaimPrices-en.pdfhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/PeachesNectarines/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/PeachesNectarines/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/PeachesNectarines/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/Pears/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/Pears/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SweetCherries/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SweetCherries/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SweetCherries/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SourCherries/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SourCherries/Pages/Rates.aspxhttps://www.agricorp.com/en-ca/Programs/ProductionInsurance/SourCherries/Pages/Rates.aspx

Page 4DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE

IMPORTANT WEBINAR:

‘PREPARING FOR THE 2021 SEASON’

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 at 12:00 PM

The Grape Growers of Ontario, Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and Ontario Apple Growers invite you to an industry webinar to provide important updates and information as you begin planning for the 2021 growing season. Speakers: • Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs • Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament, Niagara West • Scott Duff, Director, Economic Development Policy, OMAFRA – Enhanced Agri-

Food Protection Program; Housing Update • Ken Forth, Chair, Labour Issues Coordinating Committee – Labour Update • Melissa Helferty, Manager, Infectious Diseases Policy and Programs Unit,

Ministry of Health Registration: This free webinar will be held on Zoom. Please register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F3SxFeklS5yphsw4ZQMEnw before January 12th and you will be sent the webinar link 24 hours before the event. Call 905-688-0990 ext 224 or email info@grapegrowersofontario.com for more information.

DECEMBER 2020 ISSUEPage 5

GUELPH, ON [November 12, 2020] – Ontario’s three general farm organizations the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) and the National Farmers Union – Ontario (NFU-O) are very pleased to share with their membership that the Freedom of Information (FOI) request for a list of names of all Farm Business Registrants has been withdrawn.

FOI Request Update

National Commodity List ExpandedThe Government of Canada has expanded the National Commodity List (NCL) to include seed corn, oil seed, grains and maple syrup for the 2021 season. This expansion will allow farmers who cultivate or make these products to seek the help of workers through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). Please visit the following link for the full news release: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/11/blank.html

Foodland CalendarsPlease enjoy the enclosed 2021 calendar compliments of our valued friends at Foodland Ontario. We extend our sincere thanks for their continued support of Ontario tender fruit!

Page 6DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE

In MemoriamDunbar Horsford, a farm worker from Grenada, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on November 9th while working in Niagara. He was looking forward to returning home to his wife Maria and their three sons at the end of the month. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family overseas and friends here in Canada.

Holiday Office ClosurePlease note our office will be closed from December 24 - January 1st, inclusive. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year!

The Annual General Meeting of CanAgPlus, the not-for-profit corporation that owns and operates the CanadaGAP® Program, was held virtually on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020. We thank all members who attended and participated in the meeting.

CanadaGAP program participants elected two new and two returning directors to the CanAgPlus Board. Congratulations to the following individuals:• Alvin Keenan, Rollo Bay Holdings• Jody Mott, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association• Susan Ranck, Ranck and Associates• Scott Wright, Star Produce

Director Cathy McKay (chair of the 2020 Stakeholder Advisory Committee) and Director Mike Furi (vice-chair of the Board of Directors for 2020) are retiring from the Board. Sincere thanks are extended to Cathy and Mike for their dedication and contributions to CanadaGAP.

Newly elected Board members will serve a two-year term through to December 2022. Biographies of CanAgPlus Directors are available here. The members have also voted in favour of two (2) resolutions submitted by members, and one (1) special resolution brought forward by the Board.

The 2020 Annual Report can be accessed at: http://www.canadagap.ca/publications/annual-report/ The corporation’s financial statements and the Annual Report presentation are accessible from the Members Only section on the CanadaGAP website or directly from the office. Any member may obtain a copy upon request.

If you have any questions, call the CanadaGAP office at 613-829-4711 or send us an email at info@canadagap.ca.

CanAgPlus AGM

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