On March 3, a bus load of farmers from the Perth and Wellington Federations of Agriculture joined Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Laurel Broten, and Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson here for a day of building bridges across the rural and urban divide.
“With the proven success of our annual “Agriculture 101” event, the interest from my local farmers to travel to the city has risen each year,” said Wilkinson.
“The goal of Toronto 101 is to showcase the GTA and highlight for us the issues faced by my urban colleagues in the largest and most diverse city in Ontario.
“Toronto 101 is the urban compliment to Agriculture 101, a rural event held each year in August. Urban MPPs experience a day-long tour of farms, hosted by the Perth and Wellington Federations of Agriculture and myself,” Wilkinson said. “The best way to understand our rural issues is first hand. I appreciate that my local farmers take time out of their busy schedules to spend an enjoyable and educational day in the city. When we take time to listen and share concerns and solutions we learn that there is much more we have in common.”
President of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture Brent Royce said, “It is always great to have an opportunity to chat with members of the Ontario legislature. Today’s Toronto 101 provided insight into the movement of agriculture commodities and how they interact with an urban community, as well as the jobs provided to ensure that our produce gets to the consumer safe and on time. Our good long-term working relationship with John has provided these opportunities.”
President of the Wellington OFA David Parker, said, “The WFA enjoys a long-standing and productive relationship with the Honourable John Wilkinson, and is thrilled to have been participants in Toronto 101 and Ag 101 over the years. Bridging urban and rural interests is paramount for any continued growth of the agricultural sector in Wellington County.”
Throughout the day the farmers attended a meet-and-greet session with MPPs and took a tour of the legislature.
They travelled to the Ontario Food Terminal in Etobicoke, took a tour of Great Lakes Brewery where they experienced first hand innovation in this industry.
