For Immediate Release
January 15, 2008

AGRICULTURE INVESTMENTS YIELD LONG-TERM RESULTS

McGuinty Government Boosting Research, Competitiveness, Productivity

ST. CATHARINES - Agricultural research that directly supports Ontario's agri-food sector is the focus of a new funding program announced today.

Ontario is providing $2.5 million to the Agricultural Adaptation Council, a non-profit coalition of 71 Ontario agricultural, agri-food and rural organizations.

"While we are already committed to providing immediate funding for farmers who need it over the short term, we also have to plan for the long term," Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky announced today at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association's annual meeting. "That is why we are investing in research now to secure greater payoffs for producers down the road."

To receive funding, projects must:

"We are grateful to Minister Dombrowsky for recognizing the important contributions our industry makes to Ontario, and for backing that up with short- and long-term investments," Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chair Brenda Lammens said.

"Our whole reason for being is to push forward new ideas and innovation in Ontario's agri-food industry, and this funding injection will definitely boost our efforts," said Agricultural Adaptation Council chair Betty Jean Crews.

The funding is part of $150 million announced in the 2007 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review to increase competitiveness and help Ontario's hog, horticultural and cattle farmers.

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Contacts:
Kelly Synnott
Minister's Office
416-326-6439

Brent Ross
Communications Branch
416-326-9342