Statement #2 FarmGate5 – reception April 27, 2005

Mr. Speaker it is with pleasure that I rise in the house today to acknowledge and welcome the dairy and chicken farmers of Ontario, known as FarmGate5, who are sitting in the gallery today.

The dairy and poultry boards got together and formed FarmGate5 so they could promote the positive contribution that their farms make to the economy of Ontario. Their role is to bring together all people and organizations that believe in a strong agricultural sector and a prosperous food industry in this province.
The famous five of “Farmgate5” include the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Egg Producers, Ontario Turkey Producers’ Marketing Board and the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg & Chick Commission.
Mr. Speaker, It is important to note that dairy and poultry farmers account for over 1/3 of the total farm cash receipts in Ontario. There are approximately 7000 dairy and poultry farmers in this province and last year they produced over $2.5 billion worth of goods.

Since its launched in September, at the IPM, over 7500 Ontarians have signed the FarmGate5 Supporter Form. Of those who signed, I am pleased to say that almost 50 MPP’s have also signed in support of FarmGate’s agenda.

By building this grassroots network of support FarmGAte5 has been able to demonstrate that many Ontarians, on and off the farm, rely on and expect a strong dairy and poultry sector.

As MPP for my riding of Oxford, which we all know is the dairy capital of Ontario, I would encourage my colleagues to join FarmGate5 for a reception in room 230 at 4:00pm today.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.