Premier McGuinty calls on Federal government to support Ontario Farmers
Media Release
Ontario Premier's Office
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty called on the federal government to join Ontario and support farmers when they need help. He was in the Stratford area today where he toured the antibiotic-free hog farm of Phil and Eleanor Anwender. The Risk Management Program assists Ontario family farms through uncertain times.
Stratford - Jul. 26, 2011 - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty called on the federal government to join Ontario and support farmers when they need help. He was in the Stratford area today where he toured the antibiotic-free hog farm of Phil and Eleanor Anwender.
The McGuinty government is asking the federal government to contribute its share to Ontario's Risk Management Program - a first of its kind in Ontario and the most significant agricultural program in 25 years.
The new program gives farmers the stability and predictability that will help protect their farms and ensure Ontario families continue to enjoy healthy local foods. It works like insurance helping the cattle, hog, sheep and veal sectors, and grain and oil seed farmers. There is also a self-directed risk management program for fruit and vegetable farmers.
The Risk Management Program assists Ontario family farms through uncertain times. Helping Ontario farmers and their families is part of the government?s plan to strengthen the economy and create jobs.
"Our risk management program gives farmers stability, which builds a strong Ontario economy and jobs for a new generation of farmers and workers. The federal government must do its part and support hard-working Ontario farmers and their families," said Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.
"Ontario is committed to our farmers. We need the federal government to show the same support. We want to sit down and work together to help farmers. What's good for Ontario's agri-business is good for Canada's agri-business," said John Wilkinson, Minister of the Environment, MPP Perth-Wellington
QUICK FACTS
Premiums are waived for the program's 2011 transition year.
Program applications for grains and oilseeds farmers will be available in August and the rest of the programs in the fall.
Ontario's agri-food industry contributes $33 billion to the provincial economy every year and provides jobs for 700,000 people.
There are nearly 60,000 farms in Ontario and each farmer produces enough food to feed 120 people every year.
Since 2006, the Premier's Award Of Excellence has recognized innovative Ontario farmers.
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