A Progressive Conservative party, under Tim Hudak, will lead a government that respects farmers and fosters growth and innovation in our agriculture sector. "Ontario farmers deserve our gratitude. They deserve our respect. They deserve our support," says Jim McDonell, Stormont-Dundas South Glengarry PC Candidate.

PHOTO CREDIT - 1310 News

Lancaster - Jul. 30, 2011 - A Progressive Conservative party, under Tim Hudak, will lead a government that respects farmers and fosters growth and innovation in our agriculture sector. The principles that will guide our government are outlined in our PC changebook.

First, we will deliver the permanent business risk-management program that the Ontario PC Party has long championed.
A PC Business Risk Management program will be based on the cost of production. Risk Management is not only about peace of mind. It is about correcting a competitive imbalance that gives farmers in other jurisdictions an unfair market advantage.

Unlike the McGuinty Liberals – who take farmers’ contributions and make them disappear in general revenue – our risk management program will be a dedicated fund. When farmers pay their premiums they will know that every single cent will go to business risk management.

Second, we will protect supply management for our farmers for the commodities that have it.
Within supply managed sectors, we will ensure farmers have the level playing field they need to produce high quality products at a fair price to the consumer.

Third, we will create a ‘one window’ policy for farmers – through which all of their needs can be served by going to one source.
Right now, if a farmer wants to build a barn on his property – he’s got to go through OMAFRA and the Ministry of Environment. And to do any drainage work, he’s got go to OMAFRA, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Natural Resources before he can put a shovel in the ground. And they all want the same information.

Farmers want to be able to focus on their farms, not on the endless government forms and paperwork. Under a PC government, all farming-related requests, requirements and needs – even those that relate to other Ministries – will simply be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. This will save our farmers time. This will save our farmers stress.

Ultimately – it will give farm families more money to invest in their business, to innovate, to grow and to create more jobs.

Fourth, we will lead by example with ‘Buy Ontario’ food policy at provincial institutions such as hospitals and schools.
The desire is there from Ontario families to purchase homegrown, healthy and safe products from Ontario farmers. We believe public officials should do the same when procuring food for hospitals and schools.

These are simple, straightforward policies that fit within our fiscal framework, but will make a real difference to farmers throughout Ontario. Ontario farmers deserve our gratitude. They deserve our respect. They deserve our support.

But first of all – to get there – they deserve change. The good news is that change is on the way. Please visit www.McDonell.ca for more information.