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For Immediate Release:
May 8, 2006 (Guelph) –

Ontario’s livestock farmers applaud Prime Minister Harper’s government for its financial commitment to agriculture, delivered in last week’s federal budget. The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), Ontario Cattle Feeders’ Association (OCFA), Ontario Pork (OP), Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA), and the Ontario Veal Association (OVA) want to ensure that farmers are aware of and appreciate the financial contribution which the federal government has just made to Ontario’s livestock farmers in the federal budget.

On Tuesday May 2nd, The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, announced an additional $1 billion in “new” money for agriculture. The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, had already initiated discussions with the provinces to overhaul the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program. 

"Prime Minister Harper and the federal government should be applauded and recognized for moving so quickly,” says OCA President, Ian McKillop. "The province’s beef farmers are pleased that the government is retroactively changing the inventory valuation used in the CAIS program.” Curtis Royal, OCFA President also agrees that “this is exactly the kind of approach we have been asking for.”
The Budget included commitments to agriculture in the following areas:

• providing more responsive income stabilization

• creating new and innovative support for farm family incomes

• enhancing disaster assistance and separating it from income stabilization; and

• investing in future opportunities in the sectors, such as: biomass science; support for a bio-fuels strategy; and new opportunities for agriculture through value-added products

 “At a time when Stephen Harper’s government has so many ‘spending priorities’, an investment in rural Canada is a very wise move for this new Cabinet,” comments John Hemsted, Chair of OSMA. 
“We look forward to working with both the federal and the provincial governments in their efforts to support and sustain integrated and vital agriculture industries. This budget is a great first step,” adds Judy Dirksen, OVA Chair.

Livestock farmers have been pleasantly surprised by the government’s readiness to listen and respond in such a short period of time.

“The signal that this government is sending to farmers is that it is ready to help and willing to listen,” says Curtiss Littlejohn, Chair of Ontario Pork. “Ontario’s 35, 000 livestock farmers wish to thank Ministers Strahl and Flaherty, and indeed all of those federal and provincial members of parliament who recognize the importance of supporting agriculture.”

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For More Information:
 Ian McKillop, OCA President: (519) 868-4202