If new provincial lesiglation is passed, you could see Ontario fruit wines sold at local farmers’ markets as a pilot project that’s the rare product of government and oppposition co-operation.
Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell says Conservative MPP Bob Runciman’s private member’s bill would see fruit wine test-marketed in an effort to promote Ontario agricultural products that are under-represented in the broader market.
Mitchell says Bill 132 has received first and second reading in the Legislature.
Mitchell says the initiative is backed by Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowski and Government Services Minister Ted McMeekin.
Mitchell says it’s McMeekin’s job to address any concerns that may arise from the test marketing of wine products and to make sure everything is in place for appropriate and successful placement in farmers’ markets.
Mitchell takes issue with remarks made by Conservative leadership contender Randy Hillier as the bill was being debated in the Legislature this week.
She says Hillier’s remarks about the government backing off on Bill 132 and lying about their support of it don’t reflect the facts.
Mitchell says Dombrowski and McMeekin fully back the proposal and that Dombrowski is acting in producers’ best interests in moving the legislation forward.
Hillier was told to leave the House after his remarks.
Mitchell says Runciman’s proposal fits well with the McGuinty government’s plans to highlight Ontario-grown food products through this year’s budget.
Mitchell says more funding has been made available for local food initiatives which could include wine production and possibly re-vamping the Ontario Foodland program.
A study is uder-way to see if the soil in some areas of Huron County might support the growth of wine-grade grapes.