The Canada-Ontario Orchards and Vineyards Transition Program (OVTP) was a joint federal and provincial program designed to help grape, apple and tender fruit producers adapt to industry pressures and changing markets. This three-year program ran from 2008 to 2010 and is now closed.
As of March 31, 2011, Agricorp issued $18 million for 1,360 eligible applications. Under the program, 11,133 acres were removed.
Agricorp will continue to administer the monitoring component of the program for the federal and provincial governments until 2015. We will monitor a random selection of operations to ensure that producers who received OVTP payments keep their land in or available for agricultural use for five years from the date of final removal. Producers must continue to meet all eligibility requirements to remain eligible for any OVTP funding they’ve received.
How it worked
OVTP compensated producers for part of the costs of removing fruit trees and grapevines. Producers received up to $1,618.74 per qualifying acre towards the cost of removing and disposing of orchard and vineyard stock. The maximum payment, per applicant, was $800,000 over the lifetime of the program.
The final deadline to apply for the program was March 31, 2010. The final deadline to complete removals was November 30, 2010.
Publications
Appeal decision
If you disagree with Agricorp’s decision on your Canada-Ontario Orchards and Vineyards Transition Program (OVTP) application, you can request a review of the decision through Agricorp’s Issues Review Committee (IRC).
Submit a written request to IRC within 60 calendar days of Agricorp’s initial decision. Explain why you would like a review, including any supporting documents or relevant evidence. Send your request to:
Agricorp - IRC Coordinator
1 Stone Road West
Box 3660 Stn Central
Guelph ON N1H 8M4
Agricorp will send an acknowledgment letter with the date of the next IRC meeting and the expected date of the IRC’s decision. The IRC meets monthly.
The IRC will review the circumstances and mail a decision letter within 10 business days of the IRC meeting. The IRC’s decision is final.
