For Release: March 11, 2005

Ontario Government Helps Farmers Protect The Environment
Additional Funds To Deliver Nutrient Management Financial Assistance Program

GUELPH - The Ontario government is helping protect the environment with additional funding to promote and administer a financial assistance program for farmers to comply with nutrient management requirements.

"The McGuinty government is committed to supporting the agricultural community," said Minister of Agriculture and Food, Steve Peters. "This additional investment of $350,000 ensures farmers get the help they need to better protect our environment as we enhance our partnership with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) to deliver this important program."

The government's funding brings the total amount transferred to the OSCIA to $642,000 for 2004-2005. The organization will use these funds to administer, market and promote the program, train staff, facilitate workshops and manage data.

The Nutrient Management Financial Assistance Program (NMFAP) is a $20 million initiative that helps farmers pay costs associated with becoming compliant with the Nutrient Management Act. The act provides environmental protection guidelines for Ontario's agricultural industry, municipalities and other generators of materials that contain nutrients.

"The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is pleased that the Ontario government continues to support training and program development for the Nutrient Management Financial Assistance Program," said Harold Rudy, executive director of the OSCIA. "This support is welcomed as our organization gears up to serve the farm community in implementing environmental protection improvements required by the nutrient management regulations."

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Contacts:
Jamie Rilett
Minister's Office
416-326-6439
416-458-2610 (Mobile)

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
416-326-3029
416-420-5631 (Mobile)