Premier Doug Ford and Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, met with farmers and agriculture organizations on the first day of Canada's Outdoor Farm Show near Woodstock.
Representatives of the pork, beef, chicken, egg, grain, aquaculture and other agriculture sectors were part of the Roundtable.
Meeting participants raised the subjects of labour challenges, safeguarding biosecurity on farms from trespassers, and compensation for those who have been impacted by trade disruptions.
"Sitting down with farmers, producers and business leaders in the sector gives us an important perspective into the challenges faced by the sector," said Premier Ford. "With one out of 8 jobs in our province in agriculture, our government is committed to working with industry leaders to protect Ontario workers and support the industry during these trade disruptions."
Premier Ford stated that with one out of 8 jobs in the province in agriculture, his government is committed to working with industry leaders to protect Ontario workers and support the industry during trade disruptions.
During the group's discussion, Minister Hardeman updated participants on the province's work to support the industry's efforts to remain viable and secure new export markets.
Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal and provincial governments are investing up to $417 million to expand and innovate the agriculture sector in Ontario.
