Minister Leal to review Ontario Pollinator Health Blueprint
Grain Farmers of Ontario receives meeting confirmation from Minister
GUELPH, ON (March 12, 2015) – Grain Farmers of Ontario is pleased that Hon. Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs will meet with grain farmer representatives to review and discuss the Ontario Pollinator Health Blueprint.
“We received confirmation from Minister Leal today that he has received the Ontario Pollinator Health Blueprint and will meet with us to discuss our plan to enhance pollinator health,” says Mark Brock, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario.
The Ontario Pollinator Health Blueprint was developed by the Pollinator Task Force, which is comprised of beekeepers, farmers, and others in the value chain working together on opportunities (including production and pest-management tools) to support, enhance, and promote pollinator health. Last week, the plan was shared with government for consideration as an alternative to the proposed seed treatment regulations. The meeting with Minister Leal is scheduled for March 26th.
“We have received numerous accolades and support for the Blueprint from many sectors of agriculture,” says Brock. “Pollinator health, in harmony with a sustainable future for grain farming, continues to be a priority for our organization. We hope that our Minister takes the time to seriously consider a workable solution for all stakeholders, before the draft seed treatment regulations are released.”
Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.
Contact:
Mark Brock, Chair – 519-274-3297; cropper01@hotmail.com
Meghan Burke, Communications – 519 767-2773; mburke@gfo.ca
