TORONTO -- Ontario has announced a new tax credit for farmers who donate their products to community food programs, including food banks and student nutrition programs.
The food donation tax credit for farmers will be valued at 25 per cent of the fair market value of the products they donate.
The Liberal government says the tax credit is the only one of its kind in Canada and will help farmers donate more fresh food to their local food banks.
It says the program is part of the government's strategy aimed at building a stronger agri-food industry.
Farmers can claim the new tax credit for donations dating back to Jan. 1 this year.
The government says Ontario's agri-food sector contributes $34 billion to the province's economy and supports more than 740,000 jobs.
The Ontario Association of Food Banks welcomed the introduction of the new tax credit, saying everyone in the province should have the opportunity to enjoy local food.
"Many food bank clients do not receive the recommended daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and protein, which causes additional strains on one's health and well-being," the association's executive director, Bill Laidlaw, said in a statement.
"A balanced diet with local, fresh, and nutritious foods will help improve the health of food bank clients as well as the health of communities across Ontario."
