Ontario ag minister shares his ideas for the current legislative period
By Diego Flammini
News Reporter
Farms.com
Many of Ontario’s provincial representatives are back in Queen’s Park to begin the fall session of the Ontario legislature.
So Farms.com caught up with Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Small Business, to find out what’s on his agenda during this legislative period.
Farms.com (Farms): Minister Leal, what can Ontario growers expect from you this fall?
Jeff Leal (JL): This is a critical time for Ontario agriculture and my singular focus is always to help farmers prepare for and capitalize on the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. We know the United Nations has told us that, by 2050, there will be nine billion people in the world to feed. Ontario will be called upon to meet that challenge.
Farms: The fall session is less than a month old but has there been anything of note farmers should be aware of?
JL: Just this week, we opened up our $19 million greenhouse initiative to support innovation and growth in that sector. 65 per cent of what’s grown in Ontario is processed in Ontario, creating value-added jobs in those communities. We’re pleased that our greenhouse innovation fund is being delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Interested greenhouse operators should contact the council for more information.
Farms: Earlier in the year, the governments of Canada announced the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and its details. Can you give farmers any CAP updates?
JL: We’ve been working through Ontario’s portion of our comprehensive business risk management review. We’ll be developing strategic investments that will come under CAP to succeed our Growing Forward 2 investments.
Farms: The United States targeted Canada’s dairy industry before the current NAFTA negotiations. Will supply management be part of NAFTA discussions?
JL: We’ll continue to defend supply management during trade negotiations. Supply management is non-negotiable when it comes to NAFTA discussions.
Farms: A few weeks ago, A&W said there’s not enough Canadian beef to meet their standards. How are Ontario’s producers keeping up with changing consumer and restaurant demands?
JL: I’m pretty enthused about our Bring Home the World strategy and our ability to expand the availability of world foods like bok choy and eggplant. We do know that Ontario is the most diverse agricultural province in Canada, producing more than 200 commodities. Canadians have certain consumer tastes and Ontario agriculture is adapting to those tastes.
Farms: How quickly will you begin visiting with farmers to discuss issues with them this fall?
JL: We’re attending the International Plowing Match in Walton in Huron County. It will be a great opportunity for us to gather to see the very best of what Ontario agriculture has to offer. Everybody should take the opportunity to visit Walton next week.