Huron-Bruce Liberal MPP and Agriculture Minister Carol Mitchell says farmers and rural communities will benefit from the provincial budget in a number of ways.
Carol Mitchell says the McGuinty government recognizes the need to expand the province’s agriculture which is reflected in the Open Ontario Plan.
Mitchell says part of the conversation the government had with farmers leading up to last Thursday’s budget involved expanding production capacity.
She says Ontario farmers must be competitive and that barriers restricting growth of rural communities have to be addressed.
Mitchell says the 150-million dollars added to the budget for agriculture will be money well-spent.
Mitchell says besides increasing production capacity, the increased expenditure will help give producers a more level playing-field in international markets.
Mitchell says Ontario agriculture is equal to any in the world and it’s time the government stepped in with more help for farmers.
Mitchell says we produce safe, high-quality food which is critical to the province’s economy as a whole.
Mitchell says the budget for agriculture is an example of government commitment being put to work.