PROGRAM TOO IMPORTANT TO ABANDON: RUNCIMAN
BROCKVILLE - Bob Runciman,
MPP for Leeds-Grenville, has asked Steve Peters,
Minister of Agriculture and Food, to restore
financial support to the Ontario Dairy Herd
Improvement, Ontario Swine Improvement and the
Beef Improvement Organization.
In a letter sent to Minister Peters last week,
Runciman said the withdrawal of funding is causing
considerable grief for Ontario farmers and the
timing couldn’t be worse.
“Ontario beef farmers are still under
siege from the impact of the BSE crisis and
many, including some in my riding, are facing
bankruptcy,” said Runciman.
“The impact of losing this funding involves
more than financial considerations. While the
funding involves 61 per cent of the program
budget, its loss will have significant ramifications
on food safety and traceability initiatives.
Producers already own the database and the means
to catapult the Ontario industry into the forefront
of soon-to-be-required initiatives that our
government and customers are seeking.
“This project has been a productive partnership
of government and producers, leading to the
genetic improvement of Ontario stock,”
said Runciman. “The decision of government
to withdraw from this partnership gives the
impression that the shared goals of this project
are no longer important.”
Runciman added: “To make this decision
in the midst of the BSE crisis and claim that
producers can make up the financial difference
is not only ludicrous but insulting to individuals
who are trying desperately to save their farms.
The proposed BSE program has a traceability
component that only Quebec and Ontario have
any hope of fulfilling.
“I believe this program is essential in
Ontario when the credibility of stock safety
is a worldwide issue that threatens the viability
of our cattle industry,” said Runciman.
“This is truly a program that needs the
participation of both government and producers
for the benefit of all citizens of Ontario.”
Media Contact:
Don Swayne
(613) 342-9522
