FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 18, 2016
SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, Opposition Agriculture Critic, welcomed a directive from government that provides more time for consultation on proposed changes to the marketing of processing vegetables.
The Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission raised the ire of farmers when it proposed changes to the regulations allowing the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers to negotiate commodity prices with processors. The proposal was open to comments until Aug. 12.
Barrett wrote a letter to the minister asking for more time for feedback.
The directive from Minister Jeff Leal, which was released yesterday, read: “Specifically, I have directed the Commission to develop a plan for further engagement and consultation with interested parties and stakeholders concerning any proposed amendments to the regulatory framework for the vegetable for processing industry.
“It is the expectation of the Government of Ontario that such amendments, if any, will be consistent with the needs of both producers and processors and will contribute to the Government of Ontario’s broad policy objectives of supporting regulated marketing and increasing the number of agriculture related jobs in Ontario.
“In addition, I have directed the OFPMC to refrain from implementing any changes to the existing regulatory framework applicable to the vegetable processing industry until there has been a fulsome public consultation and engagement process that adheres to the principles outlined in the Directive.”
Barrett welcomed the minister’s directive.
“This is an indication that our democratic system in Ontario is working as it should and as it has been for the last 200 years,” Barrett said. “We now have a good opportunity to more fully evaluate and make any changes that may be necessary for the good of the processing vegetable market and its processors, farmers and consumers.”
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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett
at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org