M.P. Nater Hosts Agricultural Roundtable

Listowel, ON – John Nater, Member of Parliament for Perth-Wellington, yesterday held a roundtable discussion on the future of agriculture programming in Canada.

The meeting focused on hearing feedback about the strengths and potential opportunities for improvement of the Growing Forward 2 programs. Later this fall, M.P. Nater will submit a report to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food with recommendations for the Growing Forward 3 policy framework set to begin in 2018.

The agriculture stakeholders in attendance provided insight and suggestions on how programs including AgriInnovation, AgriStability, and AgriInsurance can be improved.

“It is important to hear directly from farmers who make use of these programs” said M.P. Nater during the meeting. He added: “Too often, bureaucrats at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are disconnected from the realities of today’s farming. We need to hear from the industry leaders so programs reflect farming today and into the future.”

M.P. Nater also listened to their concerns on a variety of topics including free trade and the need for an increase in processing capacity in Ontario.

M.P. Nater concluded the meeting by thanking each of the participants for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend. Farmers and members of the agricultural community who were unable to attend yesterday’s meeting are encouraged to share their views by contacting one of this constituency offices or by e-mail.

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