NDP Ag Critic Speaks about Ontario Agriculture Week and Status of the Local Food Act
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
NDP MPP John Vanthof enjoys sharing his passion for agriculture at Queen’s Park. In addition to being a politician, Vanthof is also a farmer, which makes it fitting that he serves as the agriculture critic for his party.
This week, he dedicated his Member’s Statement to recognize farmers which, Vanthof says, are the bedrock of Ontario agriculture. “Ontario Agriculture Week should be about the people who take care of the livestock and who grow the crops,” said Vanthof.
Vanthof is a true ‘agvocate,’ a defender of agriculture issues and often finds himself striking up conversations about food and farming with collogues and staffers at Queen’s Park. Recently, Vanthof arrived early to a meeting and was able to address a question a staffer had about the difference between organic and conventional milk. As a former dairy farmer, Vanthof was able to provide clarification on the subject. “If you aren’t knowledgeable about the [dairy] industry you wouldn’t be able to launch these types of discussions,” explains Vanthof.
Hearings on the Local Food Act that began Tuesday collided with Ontario Agriculture Week. The act proposes to replace the commemorative week, which has been celebrated for the past 15 years, with Local Food Act. Like the PCs, Vanthof isn’t opposed to the idea of a Local Food week, but rather, would like to see it be changed to another date, not conflicting with Ontario Agriculture Week.
As it stands, Vanthof believes the Local Food Act needs to be enhanced. “There is nothing bad about the Local Food Act, but it lacks substance,” Vanthof said candidly. The act would allow the minister of agriculture to set goals and targets as they please. Vanthof hopes to put forward some amendments to strengthen the soon-to-be-law including more specific targets and addressing barriers of being able to access local food. “I hope we can agree on something that will be of benefit to the people,” concludes Vanthof.