Protecting supply management a key provincial position at federal agriculture meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2014 by SUSAN MANN Ontario must ensure the federal government preserves the country’s supply management system as it negotiates various trade agreements around the world, farm leaders from supply-managed commodities told the province’s agriculture minister. Jeff Leal, agriculture, food and rural affairs minister, says he met with about 28 farm group and agri-food leaders in Guelph last Thursday and protecting the supply management system as Canada works out various trade deals is the number one item on the plate of the supply-managed commodity group leaders. Leal says he plans to take their message of the need to protect the system to the federal, provincial, territorial agriculture ministers meeting being held in Winnipeg later this week. Leal described last Thursday’s Ontario agriculture sector leaders’ meeting as a “very productive session” and the representatives there “were very helpful as I prepare myself for the federal, provincial conference later this week.” Asked if Ontario has concerns the federal government might negotiate supply management away, Leal says the provincial government is always very vigilant about protecting the system. “We believe that supply management is one of the best economic models ever designed for agriculture because it costs governments not one nickel.” As for Ontario farm leaders’ concerns that the AgriStability program isn’t working, Leal says he plans to go to the conference with the attitude of working cooperatively and collaboratively with all other ministers of agriculture across Canada and with federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. But he acknowledges he’s heard those concerns about the program from Ontario farm groups. About Ontario’s business risk management program, Leal says Ontario’s position is still that it wants the federal government to pay its 60 per cent share of the program, “which is the typical split for provincial programs (40 per cent is traditionally paid by the province while 60 per cent is covered by the federal government).” The federal government has declined in the past to fund this provincial program. Leal says he wants to work with Ritz “in a very productive way. But having said that I have a responsibility to put forward the solid positions of the agricultural sector in the province of Ontario and I intend to do that in a very positive, progressive, diplomatic way.” In an email supplied by provincial agriculture ministry official Mark Cripps, Leal says another matter Ontario will bring to the meeting is to highlight the province’s focus on creating jobs and growth as the agri-food industry works towards Premier Kathleen Wynne’s goal of creating 120,000 new jobs and doubling the sector’s growth by 2020. “A key aspect of this is growing our exports,” Leal says. Leal will also be talking to the other agriculture ministers about neonicotinoids and pollinator health “to express how important this issue is from both an industry and societal perspective.” BF Technology investment touted at ag ministers' summit New provincial budget mirrors pre-election spending plans
University of Guelph looking for new OAC Dean Tuesday, November 12, 2024 A position has opened at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). The OAC is looking for a new Dean to lead the school into the future. The ideal candidate is “a visionary leader who shares its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and who... Read this article online
Women Agriculture Leaders Embrace Innovation and Growth Monday, November 11, 2024 The future of agriculture depends on diverse leadership that can drive innovation and address the sector's evolving challenges. Women are already at the forefront of this transformation, leading advancements in agtech, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness. A recent article by Dr.... Read this article online
40 Agriculture Groups Urge Senate to Reject Bill C-282 Sunday, November 10, 2024 Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282. Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). "This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s... Read this article online
Lift heavy equipment with ease - TG Equipment Jack Sunday, November 10, 2024 The TG Equipment Jack is a heavy-duty lifting device designed for large high clearance sprayers. This Cool Tools’ innovative design ensures secure and stable lifting of heavy equipment, making it an essential tool for repairs and tire changes. Key Features: Unwavering Stability: Built with... Read this article online
Ontario’s Best in Agri-Food Excellence 2024 Thursday, November 7, 2024 The Government of Ontario is celebrating the achievements of outstanding contributors in the agriculture and food industry through the 2024 Excellence in Agriculture Awards. This year’s awards recognize 13 winners and 16 honorable mentions in 11 categories, reflecting the innovative spirit... Read this article online