FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 11, 2018
MPP Will Bouma Hosts Local Roundtable with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Brantford—Today , MPP Will Bouma hosted an agriculture roundtable with the Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs to discuss red-tape and regulatory burden on farmers in Brantford-Brant.
Farmers from a number of agribusiness sectors came together to talk about strengthening Ontario’s agriculture industry, by reducing red-tape that is getting in their way and ensuring Ontario is open for business.
“Our government for the people knows that costly red-tape and too many regulations are squeezing businesses in every sector, and driving jobs and investment out of Ontario,” said Hardeman. “Reducing that burden is one of our government’s key goals.”
The government for the people has taken the first steps to address regulatory burden on farmers by overhauling the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. These changes received high praise from farmers and rural stakeholders all across Ontario.
“I know many farmers with livestock were frustrated by the previous government’s changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation program,” Hardeman said. “We have taken the first steps to help farmers get legitimate claims approved quickly, and are consulting on other changes.”
In mid-September, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs changed requirements for the farm business registration number so that farmers who have a valid number from the last calendar year don’t have to reapply. We also updated the pricing methodology to provide separate pricing for steers and heifers.
“Agriculture is the single biggest industry in Brantford-Brant. We need to hear the concerns of farmers and agribusiness to develop economic prosperity.” MPP Bouma stated.
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For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org