Douglas, Ontario- “Changes need to be made to the way governments deliver risk management programs to farmers”. That was the message Cheryl Gallant, MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke received at the annual meeting of the Renfrew County Cattleman’s Association.
“Thank-you to the Renfrew County Cattleman’s Association for allowing me to participate in its annual general meeting,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “What I heard, loud and clear, is that the cattlemen want the federal and provincial governments to implement some immediate changes to some of the business risk management programs available to farmers. If programs do not address the needs of farmers, they need to be changed.”
“One of the challenges faced by the Federal Government is the need to develop national programs. However, in the example of beef producers, a program that satisfies beef producers in Ontario may be totally unacceptable to a western beef producer,” observed Cheryl Gallant, MP. “Since 2006, the federal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Agriculture. Our preferred approach is to co-operate with the provinces on an equal, cost-shared basis. It is not always easy to reach a consensus in a room full of provincial agriculture Ministers.
“In addition to the message I received from our local beef producers, I have been contacted by the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition. This group represents pork, sheep, veal, grains and oilseeds, fruits and vegetables and cattle producers here in Ontario. They are asking for my support to implement the Agri-flex proposal of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “If this group is offering a workable solution we can all agree upon, I look forward to assisting in its implementation.”
“I believe in the importance of supporting our local food system. I support the family farm. I will continue to work with our agricultural community to develop solutions. All Canadians benefit from home-grown healthy food. Renfrew County benefits from a vibrant agricultural sector,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.