Normal Farm Practices Protection Board

What is the Board?

1. Introduction
2. Mandate
3. Mission Statement

Introduction

The Normal Farm Practices Protection Board (the “NFPPB” or the “Board”) is established under the Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998 (the “Act”) to rule on issues pertaining to farm practices. The Act protects farmers from disturbance complaints, provided the farmer is following normal farm practices. Disturbances covered are those arising from odour, dust, flies, light, smoke, noise and vibration. The Act also protects farmers from municipal by-laws that restrict their normal farm practices.

The Act defines “normal farm practice” as a practice that:

1. is conducted in a manner consistent with proper and acceptable customs and standards as established and followed by similar agricultural operations under similar circumstances, or
2. makes use of innovative technology in a manner consistent with proper advanced farm management practices.

Ontario Ministry of Agricultural Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) agricultural engineers or environmental specialists conduct conflict resolution on each complaint.

The Board is supported by staff of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs assigned to the Board. The Board operates independently of the Ministry.

The Mandate and Mission Statement is prepared in accordance with section 3 of the Adjudicative Tribunals Accountability, Governance and Appointments Act, 2009 [Act]. The Act provides that the Mandate and Mission Statement contain the following:

1. a statement of the tribunal’s legislative mandate, with reference to the Act that establishes its mandate and to any Act or Acts that add to its mandate;
2. the tribunal’s mission statement; and
3. any other matter specified in the regulations or in a directive of the Management Board of Cabinet (MBC).

 

Mandate

The mandate of the Normal Farm Practices Protection Board (Board) is established by the Farming and Food Production Protection Act, 1998, S.O.1998, c.1. Section 3 establishes the Board and provides for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to appoint the Chair, Vice-Chair and members. Subsection 4(2) states that the Board has the power to:

1. inquire into and to resolve disputes respecting agricultural operations and to determine what constitutes a normal farm practice.
2. make necessary inquiries and orders to ensure compliance with its decisions.

 

Mission Statement