Putting Farmers First

March 11, 2009

Its one thing to have a Government that listens … it’s another to have one that acts. And action for farmers has defined this Government since Day One. It comes down to one solid principle: Farmers First. When our Government is putting together agriculture programs, we go to the experts and those experts are farmers. We take the time to hear from the folks on the ground to make sure what we’re doing works for them.

Last week, Agriculture Minister, Gerry Ritz and I sat down with SDSG farmers in Winchester to listen to their concerns and seek their advice. Meeting face-to-face gave farmers the chance to hear about new federal initiatives, like the $500 million agricultural flexibility program, tax relief for farm families and improved credit access for new farmers and other ways the federal Government is working to secure a strong future for agriculture and farmers.

Fundamentally, however, our purpose in holding this discussion was to hear from farmers in this region about the issues affecting them. In our meeting, Minister Ritz and I were told that one of the biggest concerns for local farmers is gaining access to new markets. Since he became the Minister of Agriculture, Minister Ritz has made numerous visits to foreign countries with this objective in mind and as a result, we are much closer to this goal.

In closing, I’d like to extend my appreciation to those farmers who took time from their busy lives to attend this discussion. Their advice will go a long way in helping Ontario agriculture grow and prosper.

Guy Lauzon, MP
Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry