Fedeli supports amendment to the Local Food Act

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

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Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is supporting an amendment to the Local Food Act put forward by the Ontario PC Caucus which would add a tax credit for farmers who donate their products to their local food bank.



“Ontario’s economic growth is stagnant and there is high unemployment across the province,” said Fedeli.



“The PC Caucus’ priority is to provide a path to grow our economy and create jobs, but we also recognize today’s reality that many Ontarians struggle to put food on their tables and need to look to their local food bank for assistance,” Fedeli added.



“This amendment is a simple thing we can do that will make a big difference.”



Modeled on a Private Members’ Bill from Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, the amendment would grant a non-refundable tax credit worth 25% of the wholesale value to farmers who choose to donate their excess agricultural products to local food banks, and permit unused tax credits to be carried forward up to five years.



Each year, while food banks struggle to provide for those in need, Ontario farmers dispose of or plough back into their fields, more than 25 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food. This food is healthy, tasty and fresh, but is not chosen for sale by grocers because of cosmetic reasons such as size, shape or colour.



Many farmers cannot afford the additional costs incurred to collect, process, and deliver their unsold produce to local food banks despite a clear desire in the industry to do so.



The PC Caucus previously announced another amendment to increase food literacy by requiring food education as a mandatory component of instruction for every grade.



“Ontario deserves a comprehensive Food Act that addresses the challenges that our food system and farmers are facing,” said Fedeli.


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