The 2023 Provincial Apiarist Report is now available. This report is an annual written summary providing highlights and details on a range of Apiary Program findings, including pest and disease levels, honey production, pollination services, honey bee mortality and emerging issues in a beekeeping season.
The 2023 Apiculture winter loss report is now available. This report is an annual written account of the estimation of honey bee colony winter loss for both commercial and small-scale beekeepers as well as a summary of the management practices used by beekeepers to monitor and control pests and diseases.
Agricultural impact assessments are now required under certain Provincial land use plans (Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2017; Greenbelt Plan, 2017; Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, 2017; Niagara Escarpment Plan, 2017). We are seeking input on a guidance document that outlines the conditions for completing an assessment.
The 2022 Provincial Apiarist Report is now available. This report is an annual written summary providing highlights and details on a range of Apiary Program findings, including pest and disease levels, honey production, pollination services, honey bee mortality and emerging issues in a beekeeping season.
December 22, 2023 - February 20, 2024 (60 days) Closed
Last updated
We are proposing changes to the Disposal of Dead Farm Animals regulation made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002. These changes will allow verification certificates to be issued to demonstrate incinerators meet the requirements of the regulation. We are also seeking input on opportunities to make the verification process more efficient.
February 16, 2023 - April 3, 2023 (46 days) Closed
Last updated
The Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board have been modernized to clarify opportunities for public engagement in Board hearings while eliminating unnecessary length and delays on matters which could be appealed to the Divisional Court.
December 19, 2022 - February 2, 2023 (45 days) Closed
Last updated
We have updated some of the values found in Table 1 and Table 2 of the Nutrient Management Tables, part of the Nutrient Management Protocol, incorporated by reference into O. Reg. 267/03 made under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002. These changes ensure that the values in these Tables remain up-to-date and reflect current industry practices.
November 23, 2022 - January 9, 2023 (47 days) Closed
Last updated
Bill 46, the Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act, 2023, received Royal Assent on March 22, 2023. The Animal Health Act, 2009 was amended to expressly enable a temporary response order when necessary and to make several other changes
Amendments were made to O. Reg. 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 to remove the five-year expiry of the Agricultural Operation Planning certificate. Housekeeping amendments to the Regulation and Protocol were also made to add clarity. No changes were made to the proposal as a result of consultation.
January 28, 2020 - March 13, 2020 (45 days) Closed
Last updated
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) have amended O. Reg. 267/03 under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 (NMA) to make it easier for farmers to recycle food and organic waste with anaerobic digesters and participate in the growth of Ontario’s biogas sector.
December 9, 2020 - February 7, 2021 (60 days) Closed
Last updated
OMAFRA has made a new Minister’s Regulation under the Drainage Act. This will implement the amendments to the Drainage Act that were included in Schedule 4 of the COVID Economic Recovery Act, 2020. It will address stakeholder concerns and reduce burden while maintaining environmental protections.
We’ve modernized the Rules of Procedure for the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal to make them easier for parties to understand and follow, and to streamline proceeding processes.
January 17, 2020 - February 18, 2020 (32 days) Closed
Last updated
Ontario is implementing changes to the Drainage Act, 1990 to address stakeholder concerns and reduce burden (e.g. project delays and projects costs) while maintaining environmental standards.
Due to COVID-19 related closure of examination centres for nutrient management certification and licensing, the 4 certificates and 2 licences issued under O. Reg. 267/03 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 that would have expired between April 14, 2020 and April 29, 2021 are extended. The new expiry date will be April 30, 2021.
The ministry updated the Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe to reflect policies in A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (released in May 2019). This will help municipalities and others to support a thriving agri-food sector.
August 17, 2017 - October 1, 2017 (45 days) Closed
Last updated
Following the August 17, 2017 proposal and subsequent 45-day consultation period, Ontario is implementing changes to the Statement of Environmental Values for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to reflect current ministry priorities.
January 8, 2019 - February 22, 2019 (45 days) Closed
Last updated
Ontario is implementing changes to the General Regulation under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 to reduce administrative burden and provide more business opportunities for farmers while protecting the environment and human health.
November 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017 (60 days) Closed
Last updated
The Ministry has developed a final strategy – New Horizons: Ontario’s Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy. Feedback received through consultation on the draft strategy, as well as collaboration with the soil health working group have informed the development of the final strategy.