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Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization,
representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers.
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Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine

Grain Farmers of Ontario Supports New Ontario Agriculture Task Force

GUELPH, ON (November 23, 2018) – Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, today congratulates the Ontario government and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, on plans to launch a formal agricultural advisory group that will provide an important agriculture perspective in policy discussions.

This new task force aligns directly to the election ask that Grain Farmers of Ontario put forth in May of this year: Grain Farmers of Ontario Unveil 2018 Provincial Election Priorities. The ask was:

Growth Strategy – Assemble a nimble alliance of industry and government innovators under the leadership of the Premier to devise a growth strategy for the grains and oilseeds sector.

“There are many multi-faceted challenges in agriculture – some that are being seen this harvest, and others that have great economic impact and benefit sustainability. It’s vital that leaders in agriculture have a voice in policy discussions to explain these complexities,” said Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We are pleased to see the government listen and respond to the priority and ask we promoted before the election.”

The new task force will meet regularly to discuss issues that impact agriculture, such as trade, and will provide input on crucial future decisions. Industry input will ensure policies and programs foster economic growth and do not impose additional regulatory burden or costs on farmers or agri-food businesses, according to Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement.

Grain Farmers of Ontario looks forward to working with the Ontario government and Minister Hardeman to make this task force a success.

Contact

Markus Haerle, Chair – 613 229-8336, marhaerle@gmail.com
Victoria Berry, Manager, Communications – 226 820-6641; vberry@gfo.ca

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Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $27 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 90,000 jobs in the province.