Letter from Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to Ontario Farmers for Ontario Agriculture Week
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As Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I’m proud to be part of Ontario’s thriving agri-food sector and to support our farmers not only during Ontario Agriculture Week, but all year long.
This year has been a particularly difficult one for many Ontario farmers. The cold, wet spring meant planting season was delayed, with a number of farms not being able to plant or harvest their crops. Additionally, the ongoing trade disruptions have created additional challenges. However, these challenges have only demonstrated the resiliency and strength of our agriculture community.
I take great pride in standing up for Ontario agriculture and we will always stand up for our farmers and food processors. That includes our beef, pork and grain industries which have all been impacted by recent trade challenges. I have expressed concerns to my federal counterpart about this issue numerous times and have been urging the federal government to help support the long-term success and viability of our farm and food businesses.
I won’t sit back and let others speak for our government on the world stage. That’s why later this month I’m leading a coordinated trade mission to South Korea and Japan along with my colleague, Vic Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. We’ll be accompanied by some of the organizations impacted by the trade disruption and helping them connect with importers, governments and retailers in these growing markets to help increase trade and send a clear message that Ontario is open for business.
Nowhere do opportunities in our agri-food sector shine through more than in the spirit of community and working together. It’s not just lending a hand during harvest time –it’s all year long, when we roll up our sleeves and come together to tackle issues that affect us. I am always so impressed when sectors provide us with excellent insights during our roundtable discussions that help us take immediate action. We saw this when the grain and livestock industries were affected by higher levels of DON in our corn crop, and when we made it a priority to raise awareness around mental health issues for farmers. When we work together, we are far more effective at solving problems.
Our farmers and food processors know where there are opportunities to grow the sector. For example, when it comes to red tape, I have heard you loud and clear: there’s too much of it and it’s weighing down your business. That’s why we’re working to reduce regulatory burden while keeping rules that ensure Ontarians are safe. With your help, we have made some great strides, but there’s more work to be done. Our goal is to cut red tape 25 per cent so you can get back to growing your businesses and creating and protecting good jobs in our province.
I want to extend my sincere thanks and admiration to all of you who contribute so much every day – not only to our dinner tables, but to our communities and to our province’s economy. Your dedication deserves our constant gratitude and I am committed to continue working with you to support agriculture in Ontario.
-Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs