For release: August 14, 2004

PROVINCE GIVES RURAL COMMUNITIES TOOLS TO GROW
Investment In Ridgetown Centre Will Lead To A More Competitive Agri-Food Sector

CHATHAM-KENT - The Ontario government is fostering a better quality of life in our rural communities by supporting training and applied research in the agricultural sector, Steve Peters, Minister of Agriculture and Food, announced today.

"Our government is pleased to be a partner in this state-of-the-art Rural Development Centre at Ridgetown College," said Peters. "Many members of the Ridgetown area community, led by the Ridgetown College Agri-Food Foundation, have joined forces to make the centre a reality, and residents throughout the region will reap the benefits."

The province is investing $2.5 million in the centre to help Ontario's agri-food sector become more competitive. The facility will offer leading-edge educational and outreach programs, better preparing the next generation to fully participate in an innovative agri-food industry. Through training and technology transfer for the surrounding community, the centre will also encourage new agricultural-based initiatives that could create new market opportunities for locally grown products.

"We greatly appreciate the commitment the provincial government has made to this initiative," said Dennis Jack, Chair of the Ridgetown College Agri-Food Foundation. "This is great news for students, the agriculture industry, and the Chatham-Kent community."

"This Centre at Ridgetown College is a vital addition that will help us better serve the community and the agri-food sector," said Alastair Summerlee, President of the University of Guelph. "I am grateful to Minister Peters and the Ontario government for supporting this initiative."

"The Ontario government is working to build stronger communities through investments such as this Rural Development Centre," Peters said. "We're confident that the programs and facilities available at the centre will serve the community, its people, and its economy well into the future."

- 30 -