QUEEN’S PARK – Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece stressed the importance of secure domestic food production during a March 21 speech in the Ontario legislature.
Pettapiece highlight some of the priorities discussed at the recent Perth County Federation of Agriculture’s (PCFA) Federal-Provincial Forum.
“I am honoured to have participated in this event just about every year since I was first elected in 2011,” the MPP stated.
“These are always constructive conversations. This year was no exception.”
Pettapiece added, “One common theme was that Ontario’s agricultural sector is facing labour shortages. Finding and retaining agricultural workers in Ontario was difficult even before the pandemic. In the past two years, it has become even harder.”
Also discussed were:
– Ontario’s Risk Management Program and its importance in maintaining a stable agricultural sector;
– the importance of education in attracting young people to the agricultural sector; and
– increasing processing capacity throughout Ontario.
“If the past two years have taught us anything, it is the importance of having secure, domestic food production. Ontario is fortunate to have that,” Pettapiece stated.
