The premier thanked farmers for their work during the pandemic
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Attendees of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s virtual annual general meeting received a message of appreciation from Premier Doug Ford.
“You’ve all pulled your weight and then some during this crisis and I appreciate that,” he said Monday morning. “When people were worried about food and supply shortages (producers) were there to reassure everyone.
“You ensured food continued to flow from farm to the table, you ensured grocery store shelves were kept stocked and you ensured that supply chains remained strong. That was so crucial.”
Ford also highlighted the industry’s generosity to help families in need get through the pandemic.
He noted Gray Ridge Egg Farms’s donation of 100,000 eggs to local food banks and how Dairy Farmers of Ontario provided 200,000 litres of milk to provincial communities.
“That certainty, during a time of uncertainty, meant the world to Ontario families,” the premier said.
Ontario’s ag sector continues to donate to their communities.
On Nov. 11, Chicken Farmers of Ontario announced it is matching donations made by Ontario poultry veterinarians – up to $1,000.
Ford’s remarks also touched on how his government is helping the sector navigate the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
This support included adding $50 million to the business risk management programs, working with industry to develop a COVID prevention strategy and providing agricultural and horticultural societies with a total of $5 million to help offset the cancellation of fall fairs and exhibits.
Ontario’s agriculture industry will be a key component of the province’s economic recovery, the premier noted.
“A strong farming sector will feed a strong recovery for everyone in our province,” he said.