For immediate release
December 13, 2007

Will this government finally make good on farm help?
Barrett cautions – “government has caused this,
government must fix it”

Queen’s Park— PC Agriculture Critic Toby Barrett highlighted government-driven farm devastation requiring immediate action at the Ontario Legislature today.

Prior to the McGuinty Government’s “Fall Economic Statement”, Barrett made clear the economic realities that are facing farm families across the board.

“The McGuinty government’s “don’t worry be happy” approach is breaking the back of rural Ontario,” Barrett charged. “Farmers are losing $65 per finished pig and $350 to $400 for fed cattle - our cattlemen predict losses of more than $100 million in the last half of this year –many hog and beef farmers fall through the cracks of CAIS.”

The Haldimand-Norfolk MPP went on to provide an example of how government should react in times of farm crisis.

“When the pork sector faced disaster 9 years ago our government announced funding and it went into their hands within 40 days,” outlined Barrett. “Today’s farmers have been waiting a lot longer for this Agriculture Minister to speak up.”

Barrett further noted that livestock is only one of many sectors up against it due to government policy, “Greenhouse, fruit and vegetable growers are feeling the heat as well….Tobacco farm families have suffered a market-meltdown.”

“Hort, beef, tobacco and hogs are reeling in the wake of McGuinty government policy, regulations, and programs – or lack thereof,” Barrett concluded. “Will this government finally announce help in this Fall’s Economic Statement?”

Subsequent to Mr. Barrett’s presentation in the Legislature the government’s Fall Economic Statement referenced $150 million to “strengthen competitiveness” and go to cattle, hog and horticulture.

Barrett acknowledged the government response to his and his PC colleagues demands for support as a step, but noted the poor track record of the McGuinty government in getting the dollars into farmers hands in a timely fashion.

“I only hope Farmers aren’t waiting till the new-year to help pay their growing debts – farmers can’t wait til 2008!” he concluded.

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