Overview

Ontario farmers constantly face livestock and crop damage from wildlife. The Ontario government’s compensation programs are important to farmers who deal with the loss of livestock and crops because of wildlife.

New guidelines were introduced in 2017 for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. Since Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program changes came into effect on January 1, 2017, an increased number of livestock farmers have had their claims denied. Denied claims mean that farmers are left uncompensated for the losses they have suffered.

OFA continues to raise concerns about the program directly with the program administrator and through the Ontario Wildlife Conflict Working Group.

OFA Position

OFA believes farmers should be compensated for damage caused by wildlife. OFA also believes the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program needs to be reviewed and revised to enable the program to achieve its objective of providing financial assistance to owners whose livestock, poultry and/or honey bees have been damaged or killed by wildlife.

More information about Wildlife and Wildlife Damage on the OFA website.