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So you want our vote on Oct. 6? Let’s talk…

August 4, 2011  By By Bette Jean Crews President Ontario Federation of Agriculture


Aug. 4, 2011, Guelph, Ont. — Make your voice heard on Oct. 6. That’s
what the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is asking each if its 37,000
members to do by participating in the upcoming provincial election.

Aug. 4, 2011, Guelph, Ont. — Make your voice heard on Oct. 6. That’s what the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is asking each if its 37,000 members to do by participating in the upcoming provincial election.
 
When Ontarians head to the polls this fall, OFA wants to be sure agriculture’s vital role in a healthy Ontario economy is a top election issue. And we need to mobilize the voices of our members to be heard. It’s in all our best interest to engage and equip local candidates with sound, solid information about our industry. The politicians we vote in will be making decisions and creating policy that can impact the future of Ontario’s agri-food industry. OFA is asking members to do everything we can to help them understand the importance of our industry – one that contributes $33 billion to the provincial economy every year and 13 per cent of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).
 
OFA members are encouraged to talk to local candidates about the importance of our industry. Agriculture and the whole agri-food sector are part of everyone’s day to day lives and contribute significantly to our economy. Ontario’s agri-food sector provides jobs for 700,000 people, generates $3.4 billion tax dollars and pays $7 billion in wages. Ontario’s food processing industry is big business too – every $1 of Ontario farm product processed in Ontario generates more than $6 in final sales. Every farmer in Ontario can be proud of their important contribution to Ontario’s economy.
 
OFA has identified five key agricultural issues to focus our election efforts:
• Energy.
• Ecological goods and services.
• Regulatory reform.
• Business risk management programs.
• Rural infrastructure.
 
Getting involved and making your voice heard is easy. OFA has created a provincial election kit that’s available to all members. The kit contains background information and candidate questions on each of the five election issues OFA has identified. OFA is asking each farm business member to get an election package, review the issues and information, attend an all-candidates meeting and ask questions, or contact local candidates directly to discuss agricultural election issues.
 
OFA election kits are available online at ofa.on.ca, from your local county or regional president, or by contacting a member service representative or the main OFA office.
 
Help OFA make Oct. 6 all about agriculture. Get involved. Understand the issues. Talk to your local candidates. The future health of our industry depends on it. Make your voice heard on Oct. 6.

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