Local commodity and farm groups had their say at the Perth County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA) Forum on Nov. 17.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater and MPP Randy Pettapiece also participated in the annual event.
“We depend on our local producers not only for safe and high-quality food, but also for the jobs and prosperity they provide,” Pettapiece stated in a press release.
“It’s always good to hear their concerns and ideas about how to strengthen this vital industry.”
Nater stated, “Farm families are the backbone of Perth-Wellington’s economy. It is vital that the federal government work with agricultural producers and not solely be influenced by special interest groups.
“I will take the concerns I heard today back to Ottawa and ensure that we work to strengthen our agricultural industry.”
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including animal welfare, international trade, energy costs, climate change and cap and trade policies, supply management, access to natural gas, business risk management, regulatory overreach, overzealous government inspectors, competitiveness, and sustainable funding for municipal infrastructure.
Although Nater and Pettapiece both serve in opposition, they committed to continue voicing local producers’ concerns to the federal and provincial governments.
