Ottawa – Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller says the Federal Agriculture Committee will hold local hearings this month into a new national study on Young Farmers and the Future of Farming,
Miller, who is Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, said he is thrilled to have the committee to Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound to ensure that area farmers’ views were represented in the study. The committee will hold its Ontario hearings in Wiarton on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 as part of its nation-wide tour this spring. This is the first time the Federal Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food has ever visited Grey-Bruce.
“As the riding is very agriculture based this is long overdue,” said Miller.
“It’s a chance for the Agriculture Committee to meet directly with young farmers,” said Miller. “We will hear directly from the producers themselves about their successes and their challenges in the industry, said Miller.
The local witness list will be focused on young farmers and experts on farm inter-generational transitions.
“Agriculture is important to our local economy and young farmers in our riding are the future of this key sector," said Miller
Committee members will also tour farms, feedlots and a slaughterhouse during the tour that has also planned hearings in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces. In Ontario the committee will also be visiting Ilderton, Ontario and the University of Guelph Agriculture College and Veterinary Colleges on Monday May 3rd.
“We want to hear the opinions of young producers on where agriculture in Canada needs to go in the future to attract and retain young farmers,” said Miller.
Larry Miller has been a devoted advocate for farmers and rural Canada since being elected to represent Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound in 2004. He has been a member of the Standing Committee on Agriculture since then, and the Chair since December of 2008. He also serves as Chair of the Conservative Rural Caucus.
