Province Launches Community Food Program Donation Tax Credit

Farmers Eligible for 25% Tax Credit for Donations Made to Community Food Programs

As part of the Local Food Act, 2013, the provincial government has officially launched its new Community Food Program Donation Tax Credit, the first tax incentive of its kind in Canada.

Farmers and farm businesses that donate agricultural products (i.e. fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products) to eligible community food programs will now be eligible for a tax credit of 25 per cent of the fair market value of the donated product. The credit can be claimed for donations made on or after January 1, 2014. If you would like more information on what agricultural products and food programs are eligible, you can read the FAQ prepared by the Ministry of Finance, or the final regulation.

In response to the launch of this new program, our friends over at Sustain Ontario are hosting a free webinar with OMAF Senior Policy Advsior, Ziyaad Vahed on October 23rd from 12:00pm-1:30pm. Ziyaad will speak about the new tax incentive program and will be joined by some Sustain Ontario members and allies who will engage in a thoughtful conversation about what kind of impact this new policy will have on Ontario’s food systems. If you would like to join the conversation, click here to register for the webinar.