Ontario Premier McGuinty and Minister of Agriculture & Food, Steve Peters, will be keeping their election promise to hold a roundtable with Ontario Farmers. The Premier made the announcement at a meeting with Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Ron Bonnett and other farm leaders at the International Plowing Match in Meaford, Ontario.
“The OFA is pleased the government is willing to work with farmers and establish a positive direction for Ontario’s economy,” said Bonnett.
Bonnett said farmers cannot afford to be frustrated by program and regulatory uncertainty, which directly impacts farm viability.
“Ontario farmers will assist the Premier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food and the Ontario government by establishing and communicating a positive future direction for agriculture in Ontario,” Bonnett added.
In a recent letter to the Premier, Bonnett proposed to focus the roundtable discussion on farm viability, regulatory compliance and food safety. Details regarding the Premier’s roundtable are anticipated in the very near future.
“Our discussions with the Premier and his Minister on these key areas are critical and need to be held as soon as possible,” said Bonnett. “Ontario farmers’ livelihoods are in jeopardy.”
~Ron Bonnett~
President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture