It's crunch time for vegetable growers in the region as the consultation period for a regulation that could take away their right to negotiate prices comes to an end.
The consultation period for the proposed amendment to Regulation 440 ends August 12.
Director of Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers Phil Richards says with the end date fast approaching, they've been asking farmers to continue expressing their concerns by sending in letters. However, once August 12 hits, they're left in the dark as to what happens next.
"We don't know when the commission will hold a meeting to make a decision," says Richards. "As to what that decision may be we have no idea."
For just over a month, local growers have been meeting to discuss the proposed amendment and clear up any confusion -- but having such a short consultation period in the middle of their busiest season has posed as an issue.
"This is a very busy time of year for growers and for various reasons everybody can't attend the meeting," says Richards.
He says PC agricultural critic Toby Barret has asked for an extension on the August 12 date but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.
