For Release: June 08, 2005

SPEECH BY MINISTER STEVE PETERS
to
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

"A New Day for Agriculture"

I am proud to stand before you today to express the enormous respect that our Premier and this government has for Ontario's agriculture and food industry.

In my own riding of Elgin-Middlesex London we grow apples, strawberries, sweet corn, and kiwi.

We have tobacco, dairy cows and soybeans in our fields.

Corn, cattle and hogs are also important commodities in Elgin. …It represents the diversity of Ontario's agriculture industry.

In fact, across Ontario, our farmers produce more than 200 commodities.

We are a world leader in food technology and research and development - more than three-quarters of our agri-food exports are now value-added.

We recognize that these achievements rest on the shoulders of our hard-working farm families.

I am honoured to have had the privilege of meeting these people in all corners of this great province.

…A province that is second to no other in the world for its natural and human resources.

As I talk with these people, the quality that strikes me the most - the quality that they all share - is a proud spirit of independence.

That spirit is what built this great province. And it is what will drive us forward to new prosperity in the future.

They are willing to take the risks and tie their life's work to the land.

Because they know nothing beats the freedom of raising your family and steering your business on your own terms.

The risks will always be there. A bountiful crop can be wiped out by drought or floods …insects or disease.

In fact, the pressures are growing. Global competition can be equally devastating.

An excellent herd can be rendered worthless overnight … as we saw with BSE two years ago.

There are times when the people of Ontario - through this government - understand we need to step in and help the people who feed us.

We need to provide a hand-up, not a hand-out to help our province's farmers keep their heads above water.

This government has supplied extraordinary financial assistance to Ontario's agriculture sector.

Last year alone, we delivered $377 million to assist the farmers of this province.

This government wants more for these individuals… We've engaged their leadership in seeking out ways to look at long-term business risk management solutions.

Because we all understand that pouring out financial assistance, without a thought to the future, is like trying to pour water into a bucket filled with holes.

Yes … it is important to ensure effective fiscal programs for our province's agriculture industry.

That's why this government wasted no time in signing on as partners to the Agricultural Policy Framework.

We want to see long-term success for agriculture and food.

This government is not interested in making ivory tower decisions. That's not our style.

We are working closely with agricultural leaders across sectors to make these programs work.

It is an enormous undertaking. It will not fall into place overnight.

But we care enough to engage the people who are affected by fiscal programming … because we want to ensure that they're getting the maximum benefit from these funds.

The key to building the strong and vibrant industry that we all want is to find new ways to address old challenges.

This can come down to the difference between choosing what is right and what is easy.

We are not interested in choosing the path of least resistance.
We accept that doing things differently means facing difficult challenges.

Any transition brings its own set of trials and tribulations, but I believe we can come out the other end stronger.

Financial assistance is important.

It provides a bridge that helps agriculture cross over the challenges that inevitably arise.

The problem is we never know when the next crisis will wash away the last bridge we've built.

There comes a time when we need to seek higher ground …A vantage point that looks at new opportunities and a different way of doing things for our agriculture and food industry.

BSE, rising input costs, competition from the U.S. and emerging giants like Brazil and China are all signposts we need to heed.

Many agricultural industry leaders have recognized that we need to rethink the future … We are moving beyond primary production … Our future success depends on it.

We are fortunate enough in Ontario to have an industry studded with brilliant minds.

These visionary leaders have already begun moving to that higher ground.

And we are supporting their initiatives to carry our agri-food industry forward.

For example, BSE has taught us to become more self-sufficient.

We have worked with industry leaders to build and expand slaughter capacity on our own soil.

We are supporting this sector as it seeks out new markets and repositions itself with new branding and marketing.

Never again … will we allow ourselves to flap in the wind … at the mercy of protectionist politics.

We do have friends south of the border who want to see our markets reintegrated - but still, we're moving up to safer ground on our own.

Other sectors in our agriculture industry are recognizing the need for transformation.

Our dairy industry and pork industry leaders have catapulted Ontario's reputation for excellence of quality and new value-added products.

Our greenhouse sector has embraced technological innovation.

It has grown to such an extent that it now represents half of the nation's greenhouse industry.

Our grains and oilseeds leaders are exploring opportunities in the new bio based economy of tomorrow … one which will use their feed stocks to fuel and build our cars … build our homes … and provide new value-added food products.

We applaud their vision.

They have all heard the train whistle and they are climbing aboard as we move to a higher plateau.

The train that will carry us to a brighter future is about to leave the station … and it is time we get on board.

You may ask where are we going? How will agriculture in Ontario survive and prosper in the decades to come?

Well, my friends…this government is already at work.

We have a plan and we know our destination.

As a government, we know that our greatest responsibility is to serve the people of Ontario.

They want better health and education. That is why the greatest portion of the public purse is directed to meeting these priorities.

We will continue to support our agriculture industry.

But the reality is that we are working with limited funds.
We cannot ignore that fact.

The greatest failure of any government is to leave future generations paying for its debt.

And the greatest legacy is to leave behind a healthier, stronger, more prosperous place for them to live.

Some say that agriculture is over-regulated.
They say that it hinders the independence of the landowner.

As I said before, independence is a great thing.

But when you draw resources from the land - you have a responsibility to the land.

We owe it to future generations to keep our drinking water pristine and abundant.

We owe it to future generations to fiercely preserve the rich agricultural land this province has been blessed with.

Only five per cent of Canada's total land base is classified as prime agricultural land - and we are fortunate enough to have more than half of the country's best soil right here in Ontario.

I refuse to stand aside and allow this treasure to be paved over and lost to future farming.

Ontario farmers shine as our province's greatest stewards of our environment.

They understand that the quality of our soil and water must be preserved and respected.

How many of us see people watering their lawns on restricted days - or spraying pesticides to kill their dandelions?

How many urban folks know that farmers need to pass a pesticide course before they spray their fields?

And that Ontario farmers have reduced pesticide use by more than 50 per cent in the last two decades?

It is our farm leaders who called for nutrient management laws.

They asked for province-wide regulations to replace the patchwork of municipal by-laws that existed before.

We continue to engage the opinions of our agricultural community as we refine these rules.

Regulations can only work if they are fair and cost-effective.
Our farmers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of these costs alone. And we don't expect them to.

We are providing millions to assist them in implementing the best management practices that protect our environment.

Let me be clear. This government rejects the notion that regulation hinders progress and prosperity.

Regulations may not be easy. They may not be popular - There are those who consider them a thorn in their side.

But regulations protect the public … And that includes our farmers.

And this government will not shy away from its responsibility to protect the water you drink, the food you eat and the air you breathe.

We will never compromise our integrity to serve the public interest.
To that end, we are moving forward on a food safety strategy with the Food Quality and Safety Act and stronger, new meat regulations.

We have realigned the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

We have established the new post of Chief Veterinarian of Ontario to better prepare us against future animal disease outbreaks … and to ensure strong food safety measures are in place.

I am proud that, together with our agriculture industry, we are taking a lead role in establishing traceability…. provincial Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point standards … and new regulations that will provide a seamless, scientifically-based food safety system…from field to fork.

These regulations do more than protect the public and give consumers peace of mind.

These regulations work for the industry as well - by branding Ontario Food products to the world as the safest, highest quality goods, produced in an environmentally sustainable manner.

This will strengthen our province's agriculture, our economy and the public trust.

As our Premier has said, "We will always work toward the goal of building an Ontario that is a worthy home for our dreams…for our hopes…and for our children and grandchildren."

For agriculture, the key to our future success lies in research and innovation.
I am proud that our government believes in this and is committed to opening the door that will redefine Ontario's agri-food industry.

We are investing in research and development that will galvanize the industry across all sectors.

We are revitalizing the infrastructure that was left crumbling by our predecessor.

We are establishing a new research chair to explore bio-agricultural opportunities … and this ministry has an additional $15 million in its operating budget.

We are working to help our agri-food industry find a better way to survive and thrive.

Now, more than ever, this industry needs to establish a long-term vision - a process that we began at the Premier's Agri-Food Summit.

A process our government and agricultural leaders is continuing to guide with a series of meetings this summer as we prepare for the next summit.

Later this month, Ontario is hosting the first ever international Agri-Food Innovation Forum in Toronto.

Researchers, academics and executives will gather to hear distinguished experts from all over the world present their ideas on how innovation in agriculture and food directly impacts human health.

They will discuss topics ranging from corporate strategies for commercialization and food marketing…to nutrition policies and emerging science in agriculture and food.

Our Minister of Health and I will be there looking for opportunities to bring to Ontario.

We all need to work together to think strategically … We stand at the dawn of a new agricultural age.

One that will see industrial uses for crops … Pharmaceutical uses for food…The opportunities are there.

Yes, it seems a long way off … Yes it will take investment in research and development.

It calls for a leap of faith and a spirit of entrepreneurship.

And if we don't seize the opportunities … others will and we will be left behind.
The returns will not be immediate.

But it can empower our agriculture industry and build a whole new future for our rural communities.

One in every 5 Ontarians live in towns that have a population of less than 25,000.

If we want to ensure that our dreams can find a home in rural Ontario - we need to ensure those rural economies prosper.

These communities have top caliber people and ideas.

We want to make Ontario a better place to live for everyone … whether that is in our great cities or in our beautiful surrounding countryside.

We have the best resources in the world …
We have the strongest contingent of people power …
We have the tools to build that better place.

I would like to point your attention to a couple of carvings that a wise artist placed on opposite centre columns high above us, in this room.

Across the floor, the opposition can look up and see the eagle which reminds them to be vigilant.

I have been in your shoes - and I respect and understand that need.

For us here in government - we look up to the owl - reminding us to be wise in our decisions.

These symbols also remind us that we are just a few among many who have gone before us.

Ours is a time to make a difference. To use our time wisely so that it honours the trust of those we are here to serve - the people of Ontario.

Agriculture is an industry that has undergone many changes in just the last few decades. It has seen great gains - and it has been shaken by losses.

We never forget that agriculture and food is at the heart of this great province's heritage.

I will continue to work passionately to ensure that it is a key contributor to Ontario's future.

I am proud to be part of a government that is willing to step forward and find new paths to success without wavering in its duty to be fiscally responsible.

We recognize that agriculture is the foundation that built this province.

It is a foundation that our government will continue to reinforce.

…As summer begins, I encourage everyone to make an effort to show their support to our agricultural communities.

Go out and visit your local farmers' markets, agricultural fairs and festivals. Talk to those who feed our economy and our people.

Insist on Ontario grown fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products wherever you go.

Join with me in saluting and thanking the men and women who bring us this bounty.

Together we can build a new day for agriculture …
And a better tomorrow for Ontario.