For Immediate Release
March 25, 2009
Gutting funding for deadstock leaves farmers hanging 

Queens Park – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett stood in front of a group of farmers and landowners outside Queens Park today to call for government action on the  growing deadstock crisis.

Barrett joined Agriculture Critic Ernie Hardeman and MPP Randy Hillier in addressing the crowd – Ed, a deceased and former member of the livestock herd, was not allowed by Queens Park security to attend – to decry the announced government gut to funding for dead stock collection that took effect March 1st.

Due to regulations brought in as a result of BSE, deadstock disposal companies can no longer cover the costs of collection through revenue generated by rendering. In 2003 the government began providing support to deadstock collectors to ensure that they could continue to provide farmers with safe, affordable animal disposal. The McGuinty government recently cut that funding without putting a plan in place.

“Continued government neglect has meant tough times for Ontario farmers – spefically hog and beef farmers,” Barrett said. “The deadstock funding cut leaves already hard-hit farmers hanging.

Barrett, echoed Hardeman and Hillier’s call to address the deadstock issue and restore funding in this week’s budget.

-30-
For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at:
(416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629