Results-Based Plan Briefing Book 2007/2008

Table of Contents

Part I: Ministry Overview

• Ministry Vision
• Key Ministry Priorities and Strategies
• Results
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Organization Chart
• Legislation
• Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)

Ministry Financial Information

• Table 1: Ministry Planned Expenditures 2007/08 ($M)
• Table 2: Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Part I: Ministry Overview

Ministry Vision

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' (OMAFRA) vision is, "A strong agri-food sector that is integral to Ontario's economy and contributes innovative solutions to protect the environment, to provide safe and nutritious food, to promote the bio-economy and to support the health and well-being of Ontarians."

The vision supports the government priorities of "Better Health" and "Strong People, Strong Economy".

Ministry at a Glance - Supporting Government Priorities 2007 - 2008

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Key Ministry Priorities and Strategies

The ministry's priorities are to strengthen Ontario's agri-food sector, enforce and improve food safety, protect our environment and strengthen Ontario's rural communities.

OMAFRA carries out its mandate under three main strategies: better public health and environment; strong agri-food sector; and rural development.

These strategies will help ensure a competitive business environment that will attract jobs and investment for Ontario's economy. They will also assist in preventing illness and promoting wellness.

Activities are focused on:

• ensuring food produced in Ontario is safe;
• contributing to a cleaner environment by supporting enhanced nutrient management practices and bio-fuels;
• creating a more competitive business climate;
• supporting increased investment and jobs in rural communities, in the food processing industry and in the bio-economy;
• promoting and marketing Ontario's agri-food products;
  
• providing leadership to innovation in research; and
  
• transferring leading-edge technology to farmers;

In 2006, the ministry undertook a Strategic Priorities Project to examine and redefine its role in fostering strong agri-food and rural sectors. The result is a new organizational structure that more clearly aligns with the ministry's strategic goals, captures opportunities to reinvest in key government priorities and provides for efficient service delivery to clients. The new organizational structure will be implemented as of April 1, 2007.

Results

Better Public Health and Environment

Public Health and Food Safety

The ministry is dedicated to protecting public health and reducing illness through a comprehensive food safety strategy. The ministry works with Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Health Promotion, public health units and the industry to carry out its mandate in food safety.

The Ontario Food Safety Strategy (OFSS) enhances the government's ability to protect public health, addresses gaps in the food safety system and increases the marketability of Ontario food products. It addresses recommendations made by Justice Haines in his Report of the Meat Regulatory and Inspection Review. The OFSS is intended to encompass all the main commodities produced in Ontario including meat, poultry, dairy, fish and fruit and vegetables. It is a "field-to-fork" initiative jointly delivered by OMAFRA, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Several improvements have been made in recent years to the province's food safety system, including a stronger meat regulation and funding to help processors meet its requirements, a practical food safety system for small- and medium-sized processors called HACCP Advantage, the establishment of the Office of the Chief Veterinarian for Ontario, a federal-provincial foreign animal disease emergency response plan and an On-Farm Food Safety Strategy (OFFSS).

Number of Ontario food processors certified under Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) Advantage

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Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is an internationally recognized food safety management system that helps prevent problems in food production, processing and handling. The Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs is a made-in-Ontario "approach to food safety", based on the principles of HACCP that provides a common platform for implementing food safety systems across the entire food continuum.

Advantage HACCP is specifically designed for small and medium-sized operations and offers a voluntary, staged approach to food safety management which will help meet the needs of specific markets and suppliers.

Looking ahead, the ministry will continue carrying out the elements of the OFSS. In 2007-08, investments will go toward such areas as: reaching a target of 25 provincial food processors certified under the HACCP Advantage program; maintaining regulatory, inspection, investigation and enforcement services; and helping meat processing plants make changes required under the new meat regulation.

Work will also continue on the Canada-Ontario Meat Inspection Review, which is aimed at harmonizing provincial and national standards for meat safety and integrating the two meat inspection systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the ministry will continue to administer the three-year, $20-million federal-provincial-territorial Food Safety Initiative (FSI), a key part of the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) which will further the implementation of food safety systems in the food processing sector.

Environment and Nutrient Management

In order to better protect the environment and public health, the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 requires Ontario's large livestock operations to adopt best management practices to enhance their stewardship of our soil and water resources.

Under the legislation, OMAFRA approves on-farm nutrient management plans and strategies while the Ministry of the Environment leads inspection and enforcement activities.

The government is providing a total of $23.7 million to help more than 600 large livestock producers make environmental improvements on their operations and meet the requirements of the Act. When combined with financial assistance available from the federal government under the Agricultural Policy Framework, up to 90 per cent of a farmer's costs could be covered.

A nutrient is any material that is spread on, injected or plowed into the land to improve the growing of agricultural crops. The two most common types of nutrients are materials that: promote healthy plant growth, such as commercial fertilizer and manure; and those that improve the soil, such as compost and food processing by-products.

Total number of farms and associated hectares of land where manure is applied in accordance with Nutrient Management Plans and Strategies

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This program, combined with other projects and practices Ontario farmers have implemented over the years, has reduced risk to our water by ensuring the proper management of more than 4.2 billion litres of liquid animal waste and more than 740,000 tonnes of solid animal waste each year.

OMAFRA is also working closely with the Ministries of the Environment and Natural Resources on renewing the Canada-Ontario Agreement on the Great Lakes Basin, and on the implementation of the Clean Water Act.

OMAFRA continues to support farm and agribusiness operators in their ongoing efforts to care for the health of the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Greencover Canada Program supports projects that enhance biodiversity, prevent wind and water erosion of precious farmland and improve the quality of surface water and groundwater. The Canada-Ontario Water Supply Expansion Program (COWSEP) helps Ontario producers develop, conserve and enhance sustainable water supplies.

Strong Agri-Food Sector

Business Risk Management Transfers

OMAFRA is committed to strengthening the agri-food sector in both the short- and long-term. The ministry consults extensively with stakeholders and works collaboratively with many partners in industry, other ministries and other levels of government to deliver programs and services that contribute to strengthening the province.

Over the course of 2006, the ministry provided $235 million over and above ongoing income stabilization programs to help farmers deal with circumstances beyond their control, bringing total assistance to more than $900 million over the past three years.

While the funding is going toward providing stability in the immediate term, the province is calling on the federal government to join with it to carry out a multi-year strategy that will stabilize and strengthen the province's agriculture industry for the future.

OMAFRA continues to work with the federal government to implement the current, five-part Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), which will see more than $1.7 billion invested in Ontario's agri-food sector by the end of 2008.

In advance of negotiating new programs under the APF initiative, the ministry has developed a plan for the agri-food sector which focuses on investing in research and development to promote sector growth, including the bioeconomy; developing markets through a branding strategy for Ontario agri-food products; and strengthening the foundation of farm incomes by building on current programs and developing new ones to address short-term income declines.

Under the current federal-provincial-territorial APF, business risk management programs include: production insurance, which protects about 19,000 participating farmers against crop losses due to adverse weather, disease, pests and other perils; and the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, which protects about 27,000 participating farmers against income declines. Agricorp delivers these two programs in Ontario.

The federal government has embarked on discussions with stakeholders and the provinces to develop a nation-wide agricultural policy framework to replace the current Agricultural Policy Framework, which expires in 2008. The ministry will work with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as Ontario stakeholders to develop the best plan possible for the province's agri-food sector.

The province also funds the Self-Directed Risk Management (SDRM) program, which provides horticultural crop producers with an alternative to production insurance for crops that are not covered. To further stabilize this sector, the province has committed to provide its share of the SDRM program for the 2006 and 2007 program years.

Agri-Food Sector Development

At the third Premier's Summit on Agri-Food in March 2007, Premier McGuinty and summit attendees recognized that "farm-level innovation can assist the agri-food industry to meet the challenges facing the sector by enhancing profitability in the marketplace, meeting evolving consumer demands and better managing the effects of farming on the environment."

The Minister's Strategic Advisory Committee (MSAC) presented its report, with 24 recommendations designed to ensure that Ontario's agri-food sector remains at the forefront of innovation, at the Summit.

The 2006 Ontario Budget provided $2.5 million over five years to encourage new ways of thinking in the sector. In 2006-07, more than 230 applications for the Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence were received. The first-ever $100,000 Premier's Award was presented at the 2007 Summit to David VanderDussen for the development of an environmentally-friendly product to protect honeybees from mite infestations. The $50,000 Minister's Award was presented to Fritz and Paul Klaesi for their pioneering use of technology that generates electricity from manure. A total of fifty-five innovators from across the province earned regional awards through this initiative.

The ministry continues to provide services to Ontario farmers and agri-businesses through the collection, interpretation and delivery of research results as well as the transfer of technology and information. Farmers and others in the agri-food sector can take advantage of a number of ways to get information that will help them address important production and business decisions.

There are about 3.5 million visits to the ministry website annually, more than 27,000 client inquiries through the ministry's call centre (the Agricultural Information Contact Centre) and more than 38,000 direct inquiries through regional offices. As well, the ministry offers numerous seminars, workshops, publications, fact sheets, information e-bulletins, applied research, demonstrations, trials, commodity association meetings and agri-business meetings. Stakeholder satisfaction with the channels used to transfer information is more than 80 per cent.

OMAFRA also encourages competitiveness and investment in the food industry. Staff continue to assist companies to make more informed and sound business decisions by providing advice and support in the following areas: investment site selection options; information on government programs and policies; sector insight; and industry knowledge.

As of February 2007, the ministry was involved in more than 29 food manufacturing investment opportunities, resulting in more than $360 million in investment and the creation and retention of more than 1,653 jobs in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the ministry has a target of influencing at least $300 million of this kind of investment and 1,640 jobs.

Investment continues to occur in the food and beverage sector. The total dollar value of new capital investment in the food processing industry (e.g., land, bricks and mortar, machinery and equipment) remains strong, especially when compared to other manufacturing sectors. The data on which this graph is based is collected annually by the ministry through client calls and media scanning and modified to reflect the level of ministry influence.

Total dollars invested in Ontario food industry influenced by ministry efforts (in millions)

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The ministry also supports the marketing of Ontario agri-food products. Domestically, the Foodland Ontario program is very successful, particularly with the launch of the "Pick Ontario Freshness" campaign. Market research studies have consistently shown that more than 90 per cent of targeted consumers recognize the Foodland Ontario symbol, and over 85 per cent are likely to buy Ontario fresh produce and approve of the program. Foodland Ontario is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2007.

The ministry is using the Foodland Ontario program as a lesson in success to help develop a broader branding and marketing strategy for Ontario foods. Work on the strategy is underway.

The ministry's export development programs are aimed at helping the Ontario food and beverage sector increase sales by identifying and maximizing their export opportunities. By focusing on priority markets and understanding the issues that impact on the exports of food products, ministry staff help Ontario food exporters develop effective sales strategies. Staff are planning several incoming and outgoing trade missions, as well as trade seminars throughout the year. As of January 2007, over 30 events have been executed with over 270 qualified U.S. and international buyers being introduced to Ontario agri-food clients.

The province has transferred responsibility for 14 research stations and three colleges to the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario. The transfer will reinvigorate research and development and leverage new investment from the government's $40 million annual contribution to strengthen the sector.

The ministry also partners with the University of Guelph to deliver research, laboratory services and education programs. While OMAFRA continues to set goals and objectives in consultation with industry, the university is responsible for the implementation and management of the programs. The university receives more than $50 million annually from the ministry to deliver programs and services.

An additional $25 million grant to the University of Guelph was approved by the province on March 23, 2006. The University has announced that the funding will be used to support their plan for a new animal health laboratory as part of its upgrade of the Ontario Veterinary College facilities. OMAFRA is excited about this important initiative in animal health and its positive impact on the well-being of the people of Ontario.

The current partnership agreement with the university will expire in 2008, and work has already begun on developing a focused and effective agreement that will meet the changing needs of the agri-food industry and the Ontario public now and in the future.

In August, 2006, the Vineland Renaissance Advisory Panel was appointed by Minister Dombrowsky to explore how the Vineland Research Station can be transformed into a modern, revitalized centre of excellence that will continue to serve the agri-food industry in the Niagara region and throughout Ontario. The panel, headed by Donald Ziraldo, co-founder and president of Inniskillin Wineries, submitted its business case to the Minister in December 2006.

In April 2007, the federal and Ontario governments announced the first steps to create a vital hub for horticultural science and innovation in Vineland by making it a model for research facilities elsewhere in the province and the country. Ontario is providing $12.5 million to the Vineland Research and Innovations Centre Incorporated. The federal government is making a financial and in-kind commitment valued at $15.5 million over the next five years towards research projects that support the mission of this new Centre at Vineland.

The ministry also created new economic opportunities in the sector by investing in the commercialization of biomass products, including the creation of new energy sources. The $520-million, 12-year Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund is aimed at supporting the production of ethanol fuel, which will help farmers, create jobs in rural Ontario and move the government forward with its plan to reduce greenhouse gases and the harmful emissions that cause smog.

Percentage of Ontario's 2007-08 ethanol target (5% in total provincial gasoline sales) met with Ontario production

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By the end of 2006-07, ethanol plants in Ontario that are currently up and running or under construction will represent a production capacity of 41.2 per cent of the ethanol required to meet Ontario Renewable Fuels Standard. This should rise to 80 per cent by the end of 2007-08.

 

In 2006, $32 million of the fund was invested in building two new ethanol plants in Aylmer and Hensall, and $60 million went towards operating grants for existing facilities in Chatham and Collingwood as well as the new plants.

The fund will also help the government meet its Renewable Fuels Standard, which requires an average of five per cent ethanol in gasoline for 2007. Meeting the target is equivalent to taking 200,000 vehicles off the road or reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by about 800,000 tonnes. It has the potential to create 400 new jobs and spark as much as $500 million in new investment in rural Ontario.

The federal and provincial governments are also providing $15 million to help the industry adjust to new federal regulations banning the use of Specified Risk Materials (tissues that are believed to contain prions, which can cause BSE in cattle) in animal feed, pet food and fertilizers. The regulation is scheduled to go into effect July 12, 2007.

An overall animal health strategy for Ontario is being developed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-food industry and further safeguard the province against the potentially negative health and economic impacts of animal health issues.

Consultations were held in the fall of 2006, focusing on the tools needed to implement a more comprehensive approach to animal health, including current infrastructure, resources and legislation, and examining the roles and responsibilities of government and partners in safeguarding animal health in Ontario.

The Ministry continues to strive for the reduction of pesticide use by developing Integrated Pest Management Programs which incorporate biological controls of plant pests and reduced risk products. These programs enhance the competitiveness of producers while supporting environmental sustainability and food safety.

Rural Development

Rural Community Development

The activities of the Rural Community Development Division are guided by Ontario's Rural Plan, Strong Rural Communities: Working Together for Success, which sets out priorities for building strong rural communities and strategies for achieving results. Moving forward with the Rural Plan allows all of Ontario to benefit and prosper as the government acts on priorities.

OMAFRA's rural plan addresses the unique health, educational, social economic development and infrastructure needs of rural areas. The ministry plays a key role in delivering programs through which hundreds of millions of dollars are being invested in our rural communities, to help improve their bridges, roads, solid waste management facilities, water and wastewater treatment facilities, as well as to revitalize their economies, enhance local skills and increase access to health care services.

Through the five-year Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), federal, provincial and municipal government financing provides small urban and rural communities with safer bridges and roads, dependable water systems and better waste management processes.

The third intake, announced in January, 2007, successfully built on the first and second intakes of the program, providing the remaining $93 million of federal-provincial funding available through COMRIF. Under all three intakes, the federal and provincial governments have committed $578 million to improve essential infrastructure in 280 projects to make Ontario's communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.

Under the Ontario Small Town and Rural Development (OSTAR) initiative, the province has committed more than $400 million to 280 approved projects for public health and safety priorities. The federal government has committed $269 million to 255 approved OSTAR projects under the Canada Ontario Infrastructure Program.

The Rural Economic Development (RED) program invests in projects that support sustainable rural economies and community partnerships. The priorities for the RED program are access to health care services, community revitalization, and skills enhancement, which supports Ontario's Rural Plan, Strong Rural Communities: Working Together for Success. Since October 2003, 94 projects have been approved. These projects will stimulate $174.2 million in new economic activity, generated from a $28.2 million investment by the province.

Through the RED program, the Ontario government and its rural partners are building stronger communities that work better for the people who live in them. Since 2003, investments in infrastructure, postsecondary education, research and innovation and key economic sectors have strengthened Ontario's economic advantage and continue to build opportunity.

More than 1,000 community volunteers, in 80 to 90 communities, have directly participated in community economic development initiatives to improve their local economies which include:

Downtown Revitalization: Seventeen communities - from Casselman to Goderich - and over 200 volunteers participated in a market analysis of their downtown trade areas to identify business opportunities. Six of these communities used this analysis with the development of a community-based action planning process to revitalize their downtowns.

First Impressions Community Exchange: Volunteer visiting teams from over 50 communities have completed First Impressions exchanges since the program's inception in 2005. The feedback provided from these visits has resulted in community revitalization projects that have benefited more than 125,000 residents to date.

Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E): More than 60 communities have signed up to access a new web-based application that communities can use to analyze the needs and issues identified through a survey of their local businesses. More than 500 volunteers and staff have conducted 2,200 business surveys.
More than 750 business owners and managers participated in 35 information sessions on apprenticeship opportunities to train and develop their workforce. As well, Beyond the City Lights rural tourism workshops were held at six locations across the province and attracted 650 rural tourism operators and local economic development practitioners.

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Organization Chart

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Legislation

The following is a complete list for which the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible:

• AgriCorp Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 17, Sched. A
• Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.9
• Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 16
• Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.13
• Agricultural Tile Drainage Installation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.14
• Animals for Research Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.22
• Beef Cattle Marketing Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. B.5
• Bees Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. B.6
• Commodity Board Members Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.18
• Commodity Boards and Marketing Agencies Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.19
• Crop Insurance Act (Ontario), 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 17, Sched. C
• Dead Animal Disposal Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.3
• Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.17
• Farm Implements Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.4
• Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c.1
• Farm Products Containers Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.7
• Farm Products Grades and Sales Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.8
• Farm Products Marketing Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.9
• Farm Products Payments Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.10
• Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, 1993, S.O. 1993, c. 21
• Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 20
• Grain Corn Marketing Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. G.9
• Grains Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. G.10
• Livestock and Livestock Products Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.20
• Livestock Community Sales Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.22
• Livestock Identification Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.21
• Livestock Medicines Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.23
• Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.24
• Milk Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.12
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.16
• Ministry of Energy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.23, sections 8 and 9 insofar as the powers and duties set out in those sections are required to develop and administer the Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund program.
• Nutrient Management Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 4. Under this legislation, OMAFRA approves on-farm nutrient management plans and strategies while the Ministry of the Environment leads inspection and enforcement activities.
• Ontario Agricultural Museum Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.8
• Ontario Agriculture Week Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 10
• Ontario Food Terminal Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.15
• Plant Diseases Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.14
• Pounds Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.17
• Tile Drainage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. T.8
• Veterinarians Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. V.3
• Weed Control Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. W.5

Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs)

To better serve the agri-food industry, OMAFRA relies on 11 agencies, boards and commissions. Some, such as the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal, have an adjudicative role. Others are operational services and enterprises. 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 21 marketing boards and three representative commodity associations.

The following is a complete list of agencies, boards and commissions for which the Ontario 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, a crown corporation established in January 1997, has responsibility for the functions of the former Crop Insurance Commission of Ontario. It administers production insurance programs for more than 60 commercially grown crops to provide farmers with protection against natural hazards, such as weather disasters. It also delivers the Canadian Agricultural Stabilization Program which provides protection to Ontario agricultural producers against both small and large declines in farm income.

	Plan 2007-08	Interim Actuals 2006-07*
$Millions
Revenue	254.77	413.03
Expenses	254.77	331.69
Surplus (Deficit) Impact	0	81.35

* Interim Actuals are higher due to new in-year programs, primarily the increased funding for the federal CAIS Inventory Transition Initiative (CITI) offset by a decrease in Production Insurance claims.

Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal (Adjudicative Agency)
The role of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal is to provide an accessible, efficient, independent, fair appeal process and responsible decisions, to anyone aggrieved by a decision that is appealable to the Tribunal under its legislative mandate. The Tribunal hears applications and appeals made under 20 statutes including the Drainage Act, the Milk Act, the Farm Products Marketing Act, the Crop Insurance Act, the Assessment Act and also the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002. All members of the Tribunal are cross-appointed to a Board of Negotiation which may mediate disputes under the Environmental Protection Act.

Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO) (Operational Service)
The role of the ARIO is to: provide advice to the Minister on ministry funded research with respect to agriculture, food, veterinary medicine and consumer studies; select and recommend new areas of research for the betterment of agriculture, food, veterinary medicine and consumer studies; and stimulate interest in research as a means of developing a high degree of efficiency in the production and marketing of agricultural and food products in Ontario. Research infrastructure is critical to the future success of Ontario's agri-food research and innovation effort and in 2006-07, the 14 provincial research stations and three agricultural colleges were transferred from the government to ARIO. The transfer of the stations and colleges to ARIO received broad stakeholder support.

	Plan 2007-08	Interim Actuals 2006-07*
Millions de $
Revenue	1.5	10.04
Expenses	6.8	(68.06)
Surplus (Deficit) Impact	(5.3)	(58.02)

*This represents the internal book value related to the one -time transfer of the agricultural colleges and research properties to the agency (ARIO) from the government of Ontario.

Board of Negotiations (Adjudicative Agency)
The role of the Board of Negotiations is to facilitate the settling of claims for crop damage due to the release of a contaminant into the environment. (Consolidated into the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal as of December 1999).

Boards Under the Farm Products Payments Act
Under 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. All boards under this Act are "regulatory agencies" with most program administration costs being absorbed by the ministry and all board expenses being absorbed by the respective funds.

• 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 and evaluates and recommends procedures relating to the sale of livestock medicines and proper standards for maintenance, handling and storage of livestock medicines; 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.

Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (Regulatory Agency)
The Commission supervises Ontario's 21 marketing boards and three 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; provides education programs to Ontario's marketing boards and industry stakeholders to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulated marketing system; and, provides strategic 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 provides low-cost receiving and shipping facilities for wholesalers in fruit and produce, operating in the Greater Toronto Area and southern Ontario.

Rural Economic Development (RED) Panel Board of Directors (Advisory Agency)
The Panel reviews RED project applications and makes recommendations for funding to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Ministry Financial Information

Table 1 Ministry Planned Expenditures 2007/08 ($M)

Ministry Total Operating and Capital includes consolidation and other adjustments
(not including assets)

Table 2: Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

OMAFRA helps to build and maintain a strong, competitive agri-food sector that is integral to Ontario's economy. OMAFRA invests in the following key areas: innovation, research, rural economic development, food safety, environmental stewardship, farm income support, and emergency preparedness. The ministry also helps rural Ontario to build strong, vital communities with diversified economies and healthy social and environmental climates.

Operating and Capital Summary by Vote

Votes/Programs	Estimates 2007/08 $	Changes from Estimates 2006/07 $	Change %	Estimates 2007/07 $	Interim Actuals 2006/07* $	Interim Actuals 2006/07**
Operating and Capital - Vote1: Ministry Administration	28,289,800	4,674,300	19.8	23,615,500	27,446,100	23,509,715
Vote 5: Agri-Food Sector including Business Risk Management	325,168,900	29,155,500	9.8	296,013,400	462,390,700	506,037,729
Vote 6: Rural Development	207,326,700	(80,873,700)	(28.1)	288,200,400	256,082,900	271,221,929
Vote 7: Better Public Health and Environment	72,875,000	(2,352,200)	(3.1)	75,227,200	67,398,000	61,281,069
Total Including Special Warrants	633,660,400	(49,396,100)	(7.2)	683,056,500	813,317,700	862,050,442
Less: Special Warrants	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total to be Voted	633,660,400	(49,396,100)	(7.2)	683,056,500	813,317,700	862,050,442
Special Warrants	0	0	0	0	0	0
Statutary Appropriations	110,540	15,602	16.4	94,939	67,300	118,596
Ministry Total Operating & Capital Expense	633,770,940	(49,380,498	(7.2)	683,151,438	813,385,000	862,050,442
Consolidations & Other Adjustments	261,532,800	48,369,300	22.7	213,163,500	273,666,100	284,527,930
Ministry Total Operating and Capital	895,303,740	(1,011,198)	(0.1)	869,314,938	1,087,051,100	1,146,696,968
Assets - Vote 1: Ministry Administration	300,000	0	0	300,000	0	0
Vote 5: Agri-Food Sector including Business Risk Management	3,000,000	0	0	3,000,000	0	0
Vote 6: Rural Development	300,000	0	0	300,000	0	0
Vote 7: Better Public Health and Environment	500,000	0	0	500,000	0	17,900
Total to be Voted	4,100,000	0	0	4,100,000	0	17,900
Statutory Appropriations	11,800,000	0	0	11,800,000	0	6,378,100
Total Assets to be Voted	15,900,000	0	0	15,900,000	0	6,396,000

* Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2007 Ontario Budget.
** Actuals for 2005/06 are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure.

ISSN # 1718-6064