For immediate release: October 5, 2006

McGuinty Government Supports
Environmental Stewardship On Farms

Investment Will Lead To New Research, Tools For Farmers

Queen's Park - The McGuinty government is building healthier rural communities by giving farmers the latest soil and crop management information they need, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"Ontario farmers are good stewards of the environment," said Dombrowsky. "By supporting the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the McGuinty government is giving producers the tools they need to make their farms even more economically and environmentally efficient."

The government is investing a total of $426,000 over three years to support the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). This year's transfer of $142,000 to the association represents the first installment under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the province and the organization.

The association has more than 4,000 producer members across 55 county and district associations, with broad representation in field crops and livestock. The organization partners with numerous agencies to deliver education programs, conferences, farm and field demonstration tours, and environmental improvement programs. Ministry staff work closely with the organization in delivering new and innovative technologies to farmers.

"We are pleased that the Ontario government continues to support our work. This funding provides the foundation for OSCIA to participate in many additional programs and partnerships to advance farm stewardship," said Harold Rudy, the association's executive director. "It helps us to promote the economic management of soil, water, air and crops, strengthen environmental stewardship, and give Ontario producers the latest information they need to help them succeed."

The McGuinty government is on the side of families in rural Ontario. Initiatives include:

• Providing $910 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs, including $110 million in new provincial funding announced at this year's International Plowing Match
• Encouraging innovation in our agriculture sector by creating the 5-year, $2.5-million Premier's Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence, and
• Investing $26 million in rural communities through the Rural Economic Development program.

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Contacts:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
416-326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198