For immediate release: October 10, 2006

Ontario To Host High Profile International Conference
On Agri-Food Innovation

Outlook Conference Draws International Experts,
Strengthens Province's Role

Queen's Park - Ontario farmers and food industry leaders will discuss emerging trends for the agri-food sector with leading world experts at the International Outlook Conference on Innovation, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"Innovation in Ontario's agriculture industry leads to more opportunities for farmers, stronger economies for our rural communities, and better health for Ontarians," said Dombrowsky. "This conference will help ensure that Ontario continues to be a leader in agricultural innovation."

The conference's keynote speaker is Edgard Pisani, author, former minister of agriculture for France, and one of the key architects of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy.

The two-day conference will also feature:

• Merritt Cluff, senior economist, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
• Frances Fast, executive director, Toronto Network of Angels
• Derek Holt, assistant chief economist, RBC Financial Group
• Ken Knox, president and CEO, Innovation Institute of Ontario
• Francy Pillo-Blocka, CEO, Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition
• Joel Salatin, a Virginia farmer and author
• David Sparling, executive director, Institute of Agri-Food Policy Innovation.

The Outlook Conference will help create new opportunities for the province's agriculture and food industry. Other government initiatives include:

• Helping farmers by providing $910 million over the past three years for farm income stabilization and support programs
• Recognizing innovation in the province's agriculture sector by creating the five-year, $2.5-million Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence, and
• Investing $520 million in the Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund to expand ethanol production in Ontario.

The conference will take place on November 8 and 9, 2006 at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto. Registration is limited and details are available at www.outlook2006.ca

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

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198