Farmers provide ‘on the job training’ for Ontario agriculture minister

Trevor Jones is coming up on his first year as Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and says the job has been a humbling learning experience.

Since taking on the portfolio in March, Jones said he’s visited people on farms in communities across Ontario, at dinner tables, in stables and barns.

Beginning his career with the Ontario Provincial Police, Jones later took on an executive role in the fresh food industry.

Although he didn’t grow up on a farm, Jones said farmers have “welcomed me with open arms.”

One thing he has learned from meeting farmers across Ontario is to ask questions.

“If you don’t know, they know,” Jones said. “You can’t fake it.”

When you ask questions, he said, “A farmer’s eyes will light up and tell you their story about challenges, opportunities, ideas and they’ll train you on the job.

“So right now, it’s on the job training. Our farming families across the Ontario are training me to be a good minister.”