Norm Miller says Ontario Agriculture Week and Thanksgiving may be over, but both people and the government should continue to support Ontario farmers.
The Parry Sound Muskoka MPP is making that statement as he believes concessions on supply managed agriculture made in the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement will hit Ontario farmers hard, especially dairy farmers.
“Ontario stood shoulder to shoulder with our Federal Government during the negotiations, now we are asking the Federal Government to join us in standing shoulder to shoulder with our farmers,” said Miller. “This deal is putting pressure on our hard working dairy, poultry and egg farmers and we will hold the Federal Government to its word that it will compensate our supply managed farmers for the concessions made at the bargaining table.”
Miller decided to show his support for Ontario’s agriculture industry by going to the Rosseau Pumpkin Festival and Farmers’ Market this past weekend.
In celebration of Ontario Agriculture Week he had also visited Springhill Farms in Trout Creek to see their greenhouses which supply vegetables to local restaurants year round.
“Ontario’s almost 50,000 farms contribute not only to our healthy diets but they make a huge contribution to our provincial economy. Supply managed agriculture alone accounts for 192,000 jobs in rural Ontario,” said Miller. “Ontario families can do their part by continuing to support our Ontario farmers. Remember, good things grow in Ontario.”