A farmer looking to get farm plates for a new commercial vehicle over 3,000 kilograms is now required to prove to the Ministry of Transportation that he has a farm business. The change will only affect those looking for new farm plates. Those who are renewing farms plates are not affected. To prove a farmer has a farm business, he must show a farm business registration (FBR) number from one of the following documents: A farm organization membership card; a gross farm income exemption certificate; a letter from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal indicating religious exemption; a letter from Agricorp with his FBR number; or a letter from the Indian Agriculture Program of Ontario confirming that the producer has met the FBR eligibility requirements. The change stems from the auditor generals report on the drive clean program in 2012, plus the 2013 annual report on ServiceOntario, which showed concern with an increasing number of vehicles with farm plates and was concerned that no verification is required to obtain farm plates. The reports recommended the ministry of transportation change the requirement for getting a farm plate to make sure there was no abuse of the system.
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