Camrose, Alberta, January 18, 2013 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz met with farmers in the Camrose area today to get their input on agriculture policies and to discuss ideas to generate future growth and economic prosperity. Member of Parliament Kevin Sorenson (Crowfoot) hosted the roundtable discussion.
“Our government continues to work to create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity across Canada,” said Minister Ritz. “These ongoing consultations allow us to listen to farmers’ ideas and develop practical programs that help to grow their businesses.”
Minister Ritz highlighted the successful year it has been for the grain industry with the open market for wheat and barley farmers coming into force August 1, 2012. The Canadian government introduced amendments to the Canada Grain Act, which will streamline and modernize the operations of Canada’s grain industry, and the Fair Rail Freight Service Act, which will encourage railways and shippers to work together toward a stronger rail freight supply chain and a stronger economy.
The recently announced Growing Forward 2 suite of programs will invest in strategic initiatives in innovation, competitiveness, and market development to further strengthen the sector’s capacity and earning potential from a growing marketplace for Canadian agricultural products. Canadian families will also have a stronger food safety system thanks to the passage of the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
“Our government knows how important agriculture is to the economy, and particularly here in Alberta,” said MP Sorenson. “We are listening to farmers so our programs and priorities continue to meet their needs, today and into the future.”
The Government will continue to invest in market development, market access, research, science, and innovation to keep Canadian farmers efficient and competitive, while providing predictable, stable, and bankable programs to help farmers weather disasters.
This roundtable was part of ongoing pre-budget consultations with farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
