The Food Donation Tax Credit for Farmers - the only one of its kind in Canada - is giving farmers a tax credit valued at 25 per cent of the fair market value of the agricultural products they donate to community food programs, including food banks and student nutrition programs.
The tax credit is a part of the Ontario government's local food strategy and Local Food Act, 2013 to promote the good things that are grown and harvested across the province.
Building a stronger agri-food industry is part of the government's economic plan to support a dynamic and innovative business climate, invest in people and invest in infrastructure.
Quick Facts:
- One-third of the 375,000 Ontarians served by a food bank every month are children.
- More than 600,000 children and youth participate in breakfast, snack and lunch programs in communities across Ontario.
- Under the proclaimed legislation, farmers can claim the new tax credit for donations dating back to Jan. 1, 2014.
- Ontario’s agri-food sector contributes about $34 billion to the province’s economy and supports more than 740,000 jobs across Ontario.
"This new tax credit is an integral part of our government’s commitment to support farmers, increase access to nutritious, locally grown food and promote the good things that are grown right across the province", said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs .
According to Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance, “This new tax credit will help farmers donate more fresh food to their local food banks, which will support our farmers, drive local economic growth, and benefit families in communities across the province.”
“Ontario’s farmers have a long tradition of donating their agricultural products to charitable causes, and we believe this credit will both honour that tradition and help motivate others to donate", Neil Currie, General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture said.