For immediate release: 06 March 2006
McGuinty Government Supports Ontario Farmers
Financial Assistance Part Of Our Plan For A Stronger Future For Agriculture
TORONTO - The Ontario government is helping farmers
build a more sustainable future by providing $125 million in immediate
financial assistance to the farmers of this province, putting some much-needed
money in their pockets before the 2006 growing season, Minister of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.
"Ontario Farmers need our help, and they are getting
it," said Dombrowsky. "Cheques will be issued before the spring
planting, and farmers will receive the assistance they need to put them
on a stable footing. The McGuinty government is investing in the future
of the industry and we are hopeful that our federal partners will come
to the table."
Today's announcement provides:
- $80 million for grain and oilseed producers, which will include
farm fed, to offset their losses on the 2005 crop. This brings the
total support from both levels of government for the 2005 crop to
$200 million.
- $35 million for producers of all edible horticultural crops to offset
their past losses. To further stabilize this sector, the Province
will provide its share of the Self-Directed Risk Management program
for 2006 and calls on the federal government to participate as a partner.
- $10 million for an Ontario livestock and poultry traceability system
to assist the province's agri-food industry to strengthen emergency
management and capitalize on market opportunities.
"The horticulture industry is very appreciative of
the support being provided by the Ontario government," said Len Troup,
Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. "We
have worked closely with Minister Dombrowsky on the Ontario Road Map Strategy
and will continue to support Ontario's efforts to address the opportunities
and challenges faced by our growers, both short and long term."
"The McGuinty government remains committed to a multi-year
strategy that will stabilize and strengthen the province's agriculture
industry for the future," said Dombrowsky. "Ontario is willing
to move forward with this strategy now, we require the federal government's
participation as a full partner in years two and three to support our
agriculture industry in the way it needs and deserves."
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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072
Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198
Contact
Information for Producers
For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
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