HANSARD

February 18, 2010

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
AGRICULTURE FUNDING

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: I'm pleased to rise today to recognize Greg Haskett and Dennis Aarts from Oxford Pork. I appreciate them coming to Queen's Park to reinforce the crisis that our hog producers are facing.

In fact, the decision of the appeal tribunal said, "All parties agree that the Ontario hog production industry is now in a state of crisis, has been in a state of crisis for some time, and seems likely to remain in a state of crisis for the foreseeable future."

These farmers are not the only ones in trouble; fruit, vegetable and beef producers are on the same sinking boat. Current support programs are not working. They are based on average production margins. Put simply, if you make zero, the government will give you exactly the same amount. The McGuinty government response was to quietly reallocate $82 million from support programs to their own priorities.

Three months ago, I asked the Minister of Agriculture this question: Why would the government pull out its promised money, right when our farmers need it the most? Let's hope the fresh minister has not gotten enough training to break promises yet.

I ask the minister to commit to make sure farmers get every single penny of the $325 million allocated for support programs. Ontario needs to adopt a business risk management program for all sectors. There's no time for excuses. The grain and oilseeds program has already proven it works and should be continued today.

I believe our farmers deserve support, and I am hopeful that my colleagues across the floor will realize it too.