Renfrew County, Ontario - “Farmers came looking for an indication that the Federal government is listening and they were pleased with the opportunity to obtain answers to their questions,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke). She made her remarks at the conclusion of a very successful farm meeting where she played host to over 300 farmers and interested constituents at Opeongo High School, in the middle of farming country in Renfrew County.

“I am extremely pleased that local farm organizations responded favourably to my recent request to give me a “made in Renfrew County” proposal to the current income crisis in agriculture,” remarked MP Gallant. “I thank all the farm organizations, the OFA, NFU, Ontario Pork Producers and the Renfre County Cattleman’s Association, who came together on short notice, and worked hard to be ready for our farm meeting. I also thank presenter Gerald Rollins of the Renfrew County Cattleman’s Association, who was the designated spokesman for the group, and made the presentation,”

“The short notice was necessary as the National Conservative Caucus was meeting in Ottawa and I wanted to be able to present the group’s recommendations directly to Federal Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Gerry Ritz,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP.

As part of the meeting, officials from the Department of Agriculture were invited to explain the new Federal agriculture programs and to take questions from the audience. The highlight of the evening was the opening presentation by the Hon. Guy Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, who attended at the request of the Minister, who was not able to be at the meeting.

“In spite of the freezing cold temperatures, our farmers gave Mr. Lauzon a warm Renfrew County welcome. I am pleased that my caucus colleague was able to participate in our meeting. Between the Parliamentary Secretary, myself and the twenty-five percent of the Conservative Caucus who have direct ties to the farming community, we are working hard to respond to the needs of our constituents in the agricultural sector.”

“Many people are under the impression that the current problems in the farming sector originally precipitated by the BSE crisis are solved. The sad reality is farmers are getting paid less for their livestock now then they were during the BSE crisis,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.

For pictures from this event, click here.