ONTARIO – The agricultural equine sector makes a significant economic contribution nationally and provincially.
That impact is diverse with involvement in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, farming, racing, performance, sport, recreation, therapy, tourism, education, pharmaceutical, and medical.
Horses also provide environmental advantages by grazing on land that is unsuitable for growing crops, thereby promoting natural land management, provincial greenspace and sustainability of rural agricultural areas.
However, according to officials behind a recently launched study on the topic, “we lack current data on the size and contribution to the provincial economy.
“There has not been a comprehensive economic impact assessment conducted of the overall Ontario agricultural equine sector since 2010, almost 15 years ago,” officials stated.
“At that time, the study estimated 212,500 horses in Ontario, supporting an estimated 143,169 direct full-time equivalent jobs in the province as it is a very labour-intensive sector.
“Average direct on-farm expenditures totalled almost $3.8 billion dollars, with an additional $872 million in off-farm expenditures. It is critical that our industry has updated data.
“Information on the entire agricultural equine industry in Ontario is limited, and credible, current data is even less,” officials continued, meaning the public is largely unaware of the industry as a whole in Ontario.
That’s why the Ontario Harness Horse Association/Ontario Equine Educational and Employment Program, (OHHA/OEEEP) with support from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) has launched a comprehensive economic impact study of the Ontario equine agricultural sector.
The survey is also supported by Equine Guelph Ontario Equestrian sport organization, the Ontario Harness Horse Association and McKee-Pownall Equine Services, a vet based in Campbellville with many Wellington County clients.
“The equine sector is a critical contributor to Ontario’s rural economy and culture,” stated Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones in a press release.
“Our government is proud to invest in this important economic impact study, which will pave the way for the Ontario Harness Horse Association and Ontario Equine Educational and Employment Program to protect workers and jobs in the industry by driving economic growth and building a sustainable, thriving future,” Jones continued.
OHHA/OEEEP president James Whelan expressed appreciation to the Ontario government, Premier Doug Ford, former OMAFA minister Rob Flack and current Minister Trevor Jones “for their unbridled support of our industry, our communities, horses and people,”
“The equine agricultural industry is a huge economic driver in this province, especially in our rural communities,” Whelan continued. “This study will clearly demonstrate that positive impact and set the stage to work closely with government and key industry stakeholders.
“We will clearly establish Ontario as a world leader when it comes to our horses and the people who care for them.”
Whelan is encouraging industry participants join in the study and encouraging key equine stakeholders to offer financial contributions.
“The government of Ontario has stepped up to show their support for our industry. It’s imperative that the industry show its support as well,” Whelan stated.
“I’m asking those who can afford it to give back to an industry that has given them so much. The equine agricultural industry is vital to the historic, social and economic fabric of this province.
“Together we can put our beloved industry on a path to not only sustainability but future promise for generations to come.”
Two consultants, Econometric Research and Harry Cummings and Associates, have been chosen through a rigorous selection process, the press release stated.
The findings from this study and resulting report can increase public and governmental awareness and support by transparently showing the potential benefits and costs associated with the overall agricultural equine sector or a specific project or policy, officials stated.
To participate in the survey visit equineimpactstudy.com.
