Agriculture Minister Meets with Farmers in Winchester
March 02, 2009
Winchester – Today, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz sat down with SDSG farmers to get their input on agriculture policies and to let to them know about programs the Government of Canada is delivering for farm families. Local MP Guy Lauzon hosted the roundtable discussion at Winchelsea Farms on March 2nd, 2009.

“This Government always puts Farmers First when we create agriculture policies and we want to hear from folks on the ground to make sure what we’re doing works for them,” said Minister Ritz. “The farmers in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry told us they need programs that work for Canadian farm families, particularly programs that give them new opportunities to market their products at home and around the world. The farmers I spoke with today also raised specific issues pertaining to the local farming community.”

Minister Ritz explained Government initiatives delivered in Canada’s Economic Action Plan that is designed to help farmers succeed in a time of global recession. They included:
  • A $500 million agricultural flexibility program to invest in marketing, innovation, and environmental projects,
  • Emergency loans of up to $400,000, with the first $100,000 interest free with an extra year before those loans come due,
  • Tax relief for farm families; and, 
  • Improved credit access for new farmers.

“When this Government is putting together agriculture programs we go to the experts and those are the farmers we met with around the table today,” said local MP Guy Lauzon 

This was one of seven roundtable discussions being held across Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.
Privacy Statement