For immediate release:
December 14, 2005

Barrett to Dombrowsky: Convene tobacco forum!

Queen’s Park – MPP Toby Barrett stood in the Ontario Legislature yesterday to reiterate his request for the Agriculture Minister to meet with producers, and their representatives to discuss future direction for tobacco farmers.

Barrett has heard nothing on his original request during Fall Estimates deliberations in which he asked Minister Dombrowsky to sit down with tobacco producers to develop a long-term plan.

He says since that time, the urgency for discussion has only grown more critical.

“Ontario’s tobacco farmers have had their backs to the wall for several years; they’ve now read the writing on the wall,” Barrett told the Legislature. “…the Tobacco Board is requesting the Ontario government convene a forum of all parties to discuss their future immediately.”

Barrett went on to point out that government policy has made it impossible for tobacco farmers to keep their heads above water.

“Quite simply, in today’s environment it’s impossible for farmers to continue in business - input costs continue to rise, margins continue to fall, and the pressure to lower the price of leaf is only intensifying,” stated Barrett. “In the meantime, farmers realize that, upon exit, their specialized plant and equipment will be worthless.”

The Opposition Agriculture Critic concluded by asking the Minister to follow the example of other jurisdictions that have supported farmers exiting the industry.

“Many countries around the world have included an adjustment program for tobacco farmers that provides a fair and equitable exit - Australia and the United States come to mind,” Barrett explained. “The solution is a full exit plan for all Ontario tobacco farmers - there is no turning back.”

“As I did in Estimates …I asked the Minister of Agriculture to convene a forum allowing discussions to begin, a forum that includes both health and finance representatives. Let’s fix this…” demanded Barrett.

-30-