For immediate release:

October 20, 2005

PC Agriculture Critic calls for action on hort. issues

Queens Park —PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett took time during debate of a Liberal Private Members Motion to list the mounting issues facing Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers.

The resolution introduced by MPP Kathleen Wynn asked that, “the government of Ontario should expand the Foodland Ontario program to explicitly state the standards Ontario foods meet before they are placed on the market and develop a campaign to educate the public on those food safety and quality standards.”

Barrett began Opposition debate by pointing out that the motion amounted to little more than lip-service.

“You know, it seems like we’re spinning our wheels a bit debating this resolution,” stated Barrett. “There was an announcement at the Plowing Match a month or so go, and at that time, we in rural Ontario were underwhelmed, if you will, and have no reason to see this resolution as maybe not much more than a token gesture a month later.”

The PC Agriculture Critic added that while the government talks a good game, Ministry numbers show that Foodland Ontario is losing ground stating, “the estimates book—the estimates committee is sitting now—indicates that domestic recognition of the Foodland Ontario symbol will decrease by 8% in the coming year - this is reason for concern.”

Barrett went on to register a point-by-point listing of reasons for action – not words – to support Ontario farmers.

“on average, people across Canada are consuming less fresh vegetables than they were last year. In fact, vegetable consumption is now at its lowest level since 1992.”
“the Ontario food and vegetable industry is made up of over 125 different commodities with a total farm gate value in excess of $1 billion.”
“Weather has ruined thousands of acres through hail, drought, floods in some cases, disease and insect pressure.”
“Our horticulture producers are in a very competitive environment. They are at a competitive disadvantage. They do not have access to the latest herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, and we suffer for that.”
“New kinds of products are used south of the border, the newly researched and developed products for which there is such a delay for us to access.”
“Where is the provincial government on the tender fruit, apple and grape growers revitalization plan?” (a strategic replant program)
“If society expects farmers to continue to provide healthy food all they’re asking for is a healthier financial picture for their growers.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629