For Immediate Release
October 19, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ON TRACK WITH RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Producers Encouraged To Submit Applications

GUELPH - The McGuinty government is encouraging Ontario's grain and oilseed producers to complete their applications for the recently announced Risk Management Program (RMP) and mail them in as soon as possible. The application deadline is November 15, 2007.

Agricorp sent out more than 24,000 personalized application packages to Ontario grain and oilseed producers in September. Nearly 3,000 completed applications have already been sent in and Agricorp expects to begin delivering payments by end of December. Agricorp is a crown agency that delivers financial assistance programs on behalf of the federal and provincial governments.

Producers who have not received an application package can call Agricorp toll free at 1-888-247-4999, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.agricorp.com.

The RMP is a pilot program that was developed in consultation with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and representatives of the grain and oilseed sector. It was announced by the Ontario government on August 22, 2007. RMP is a price support program designed to offset losses caused by low grain and oilseed commodity prices. The three-year program will begin with the 2007 crop year. The Province will fund the three-year program at the traditional 40 per cent share, while continuing to encourage the federal government to provide its 60 per cent share.

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Contacts:
Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416-326-9342