Over a dozen local farmers got to speak with the federal Agriculture Minister this morning in a round table discussion. Gerry Ritz tells Heart FM he's on a cross-country tour, finding out what the government can be doing to help farmers grow their business. "We spend most of the year doing international travel, opening markets, a little bit of troubleshooting. It gives me the summer months to concentrate on the domestic market. Going coast-to-coast, talking to farmers, finding out what's working, what's not working, reanalyzing as we move forward to the next generation of farm programs next spring." (Photo - Gerry Ritz w/ Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie) Some of the farmers (pictured right) concerns surrounded supply management, the quality of imported goods, and opening new export markets. Mink and beef farmer Jeff Mitchell says he came away with his questions and concerns answered. "Yes, I was very glad to be able to meet with the Minister, to offer an opinion where it's a roundtable discussion where things are listened to and notes are taken." Oxford MP Dave MacKenzie agrees, saying this type of two-way dialogue between the Ag Minister and farmers is very helpful. "It's important for them to have that opportunity to speak directly to the Ag. Minister, and likewise, for the Ag. Minister to hear them and their concerns. I think there's a lot of issues raised that are out there that they needed to hear confirmation from the Minister of where our agricultural policies are." Ritz told the different commodity representatives that Canada needs to continue to be aggressive in growing foreign markets and expanding farm technology. The world's need for food is expected to double by the year 2050.
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