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QUEEN’S PARK – Late yesterday the Ontario Legislature unanimously gave third reading to Bill 98, Signage to Promote Ontario Produced Agricultural Products Act, which was introduced by Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford and PC critic for Agriculture and Food.
“This is a great day for farmers across Ontario who had been dealing with Ministry of Transportation inspectors and government bureaucracy instead of focusing on agriculture,” said Hardeman. “I know that farmers, especially those who live on country roads, rely on these signs to let people know when crops are being harvested and direct consumers to their farm.”
Bill 98, Signage to Promote Ontario Produced Agricultural Products Act, allows farmers to post seasonal, directional signage on privately owned agricultural land adjacent to highways. It will also allow signage at the premises where the agricultural products are for sale. Previous legislation only allowed signage within 400 metres of a provincial highway which displayed the name of the business or the name of the owner of the land unless a ministerial permit had been granted.
“If a farmer is forced to take down their sign and apply for a permit, the harvest may be over and the produce spoiled before they can get the sign back up,” said Hardeman. “I’ve heard from many farmers and groups who were concerned that without directional signage they may not be able to generate the on-farm income they needed.”
Last spring, Chuck Emre, an asparagus farmer in Norfolk, was forced to remove his sign even though it was displayed on private property with permission of the owner. Emre estimated that as a result, his sales were cut in half.
“As the local food movement grows, more and more people want to buy fresh Ontario food straight from the farm,” said Hardeman. “This law allowing directional signage will help consumers and farmers find each other and let our farmers to once again focus on growing and producing great Ontario food.”
- 30 - For more information, contact: (416) 325-1239
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