FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2004

Ontario Progressive Conservative Critic Thanks Industry during Agriculture Week

[Woodstock]—The Ontario Progressive Conservative Critic to Agriculture and Food, Ernie Hardeman, today joins with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the agriculture and food industry to celebrate Agriculture Week 2004.

“This has been a particularly hard year for agriculture, the food industries that rely on it and the communities to which it contributes,” said Hardeman. “Yet, when I talk to farmers in the province, they still love farming and want to continue to produce top quality food. I respect and admire farmers and the farm families who are so dedicated to their profession.”

Agriculture Week is a time when Ontario residents can recognize the importance of the agriculture industry in our daily lives. It provides an opportunity to remember that agriculture injects $25 billion annually into the provincial economy and employs more than $640,000 people.

“My riding of Oxford is largely rural and farmers there grow all but a few of the commodities which are available in the province, so I have seen first hand how agriculture feeds not only the people of this province, but rural communities. I would like to lend my support for the industry, especially this week, and let farmers know how much we appreciate you. It is through the efforts of people like you that our communities are bound together.” continued Hardeman.

As the Progressive Conservative Critic to Agriculture and Food, Mr. Hardeman will continue to work hard to ensure the provincial government fights for the border opening, proper safety net funding for commodities and industries in crisis and the preservation of viable rural communities.

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