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Minister Ritz and MP Tweed Sit Down With Farmers in BrandonBRANDON, MANITOBA, Jan 16, 2013 (Marketwire via COMTEX) -- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz met with farmers in the Brandon area today to get their input on agriculture policies and to discuss ideas to generate future growth and economic prosperity. Member of Parliament Merv Tweed (Brandon-Souris) hosted the roundtable discussion. "Our Government is focused on policies that create jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," said Minister Ritz. "Meetings like this provide our government with valuable feedback and allow us to work with farmers to develop programs that meet their needs." Minister Ritz highlighted the successful year it has been for the grain industry with the opening market for wheat and barley farmers coming into force August 1, 2012. The Canadian government introduced amendments to the Canada Grain Act, which will streamline and modernize the operations of Canada's grain industry, leading to increased profit margins for Canadian grain farmers. The Fair Rail Freight Service Act, was also introduced in Parliament, and will encourage railways and shippers to work together towards a stronger rail freight supply chain and stronger economy. The recently announced Growing Forward 2 suite of programs will invest in strategic initiatives in innovation, competitiveness and market development to further strengthen the sector's capacity and earnings potential from a growing marketplace for Canadian agricultural products. Canadian families will also benefit from a stronger food safety system thanks to the passage of the Safe Food for Canadians Act. "Our government knows how important agriculture is to the economy, and particularly here in Manitoba," said MP Tweed. "We are listening to farmers so our programs and priorities continue to meet their needs, ensuring that the agriculture sector remains a healthy and sustainable driver of our economy." The Government will continue to invest in market development, market access, research, science and innovation to keep Canadian farmers efficient and competitive, while providing predictable, stable, and bankable programs to help farmers' weather disasters. This roundtable was part of ongoing economic consultations with farmers and agricultural stakeholders. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Jeff English Press Secretary The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz 613-773-1059 SOURCE: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |