Doug Ford Increases Farmer Aid as Diesel Prices Hit Records

Record diesel prices have created severe financial strain for farmers in Ontario and Ohio, driven by global crude oil shipment disruptions linked to a war in Iran. In Ontario, diesel prices reached a record average of $2.75 per litre in mid-September, while Ohio prices climbed to approximately $6.80 to $6.82 per gallon, exceeding the United States average.

Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, responded by increasing the province's risk management program for farmers from $150 million to $250 million for the coming year. He also highlighted a permanent provincial gas and diesel tax cut of approximately five cents per litre to mitigate operational costs. During the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Walkerton, Ford urged the federal government to extend its fuel excise tax cut beyond January, stating that "people are hurting" and "need money in their pockets."

Agricultural businesses are reporting unsustainable costs that force them to reduce workloads or delay equipment repairs. In Ohio, Fulton Farms has raised produce prices for consumers to compensate for the elevated fuel expenses.