Local MPP Randy Pettapiece is applauding the success of PC amendments to strengthen the Local Food Act.
Amendments passed at the committee stage included moving the proposed Local Food Week to the beginning of June, instead of replacing Ontario Agriculture Week in October. A second amendment creates a tax credit for farmers who donate agricultural products to food banks and community food programs.
“The government’s proposed Local Food Act had some serious gaps that people told us needed to be fixed,” said Pettapiece. “They are right, and our amendments will help to address those issues.”
Pettapiece is especially pleased that Ontario Agriculture Week, an initiative of former Perth MPP Bert Johnson, will be preserved. With support from all parties in 1998, Johnson introduced and passed the legislation to establish it as a way of recognizing farmers and their contributions.
“Ontario Agriculture Week is a credit to the farmers who grow our food and our economy,” Pettapiece stated. “I’m very pleased that Bert’s efforts to recognize farmers have been preserved.”
Pettapiece states Liberal and NDP committee members voted down two other amendments submitted by the PCs. Those amendments would have required the government to “set real targets for local food, instead of aspirational ones,” and would have included food education in school curriculum at every grade.
“Food education and real targets were frequently raised at local food roundtables across Ontario, including Perth-Wellington,” said Pettapiece. “It’s extremely disappointing that the Liberals and NDP have ignored the input of those most affected by this legislation.”
In May, Pettapiece hosted a discussion on local food with stakeholders at the Local Community Food Centre in Stratford. Following that meeting, Pettapiece brought the feedback he received to the attention of both PC Agriculture and Food Critic Ernie Hardeman and the Minister of Agriculture and Food.
