Mr. Speaker, I have to be honest here. I just met with Dairy Farmers of Ontario this morning. The fact of the matter is, time and again in this House I rise to talk about the investments that, under the leadership of Premier Ford and the support of this entire government—we are making historic movements forward in support of our agri-food industry. One example is the $1.7 billion that we’re investing over five years in partnership with the federal government through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership. Another example is what we are hearing from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario today, because they’re ready to grow, and they know it’s with our government, with our leadership that their industry is going to continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.

Again, the meeting I had this morning with the Dairy Farmers of Ontario points to our Grow Ontario Strategy, where we’re going to be increasing the consumption and production of Ontario-produced food and beverage by 30% by the year 2032. The Dairy Farmers of Ontario were identifying how they can support that strategy, because I can tell you specifically the dairy farmers in southwestern Ontario, they’re ready to grow, and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that they understand they’ve got the full support of our Ontario government.

The thing that the members opposite could really do if they were sincere about helping farmers throughout Ontario is fighting that carbon tax, because—

Interjections.

Interjections.

It’s my pleasure to rise today and join two amazing parliamentary assistants who have jumped right in because they understand the importance of Ontario’s agri-food industry, not only throughout the province, but across Canada and North America and around the world.

Before I get really deep into my remarks, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to the amazing member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington as well as the Associate Minister of Housing. I want to share my appreciation and actually give virtual hugs to both of them for the amazing work that they have done, proudly carrying on the responsibilities bestowed to them as parliamentary assistants to agriculture, food and rural affairs.

You’ve done a great job, and I trust that you always will be champions for this industry that I know you love, so thank you so much for all you do.

With that, I also want to recognize that I have two amazing PAs that I have the pleasure of working with now. All I can say is, look out; we’re just going to continue to build on where we left off, and I just can’t wait to continue to demonstrate how we not only understand the agri-food industry in Ontario, but we care. We care enough to listen, to understand and, most importantly, take action where action is needed. And Speaker, I can confidently tell you that we heard loud and clear that, when it comes to the agri-food industry, research and innovation has to be a priority.

With that said, the member from Chatham-Kent–Leamington facilitated and led a number of consultations across the province and people were earnest in their remarks, humbled by the chance to have their voice heard because they trusted it would make a difference. Because adopting new technology and research is absolutely critical to not only maintaining our net exporter position around the world, but we need to make sure that Ontarians understand as well what’s truly needed to ensure that not only primary production on farm continues to prosper and thrive, but our related industries throughout the value chain also continue to thrive and be prosperous.

Through this proposed modernization of legislation, we also are marrying what we heard through consultation when we landed the Grow Ontario Strategy. Grow Ontario is a first. It was an initiative that, again, had robust consultation and in partnership with the industry, we identified three key priority areas that everyone collectively said, “If we’re going to continue to lead by example, we’re going to continue to increase production around this province and we’re going to continue to be a net exporter of food, we need to make sure we have three key pillars.”

First and foremost, one pillar is all about making sure that we have a secure and stable supply chain. A second pillar is making sure we attract the very best talent. The third pillar is all about making sure that we create a climate that enables every single player in our industry to have the ability and the capacity to embrace new technologies and new innovations. That’s why we’re proposing to amend the ARIO Act through Bill 155, if it’s supported.

It’s interesting. This particular piece of legislation came together in 1962 and, quite frankly, it hasn’t been looked at for 60 years. I would dare anyone in this House today to say that it doesn’t need to be modernized, because the fact of the matter is, farming today is very different from farming yesterday and, as we look ahead to tomorrow, we need to make sure we’ve got our cornerstones set so we can continue to grow and continue to build. The fact of the matter is, these updates better reflect the current and future needs that we have and the legislation, if, again, passed as proposed and presented, will serve to meet the industry’s needs today and for years to come.

This is where I’d like to pause for a moment and give a shout-out to the board and the people who invest their time, give their time to advise and lead priorities for ARIO. In particular, I want to give a shout-out to Lorne Hepworth, chair of the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, as it’s known today. Lorne has a vast foundation in agriculture and his experience and his passion have led him to so many opportunities to make a difference, not only in Ontario but in his home province and across Canada. I was never more happy for him than when, earlier this year, I learned that he will be recognized for his passion, for his leadership, by receiving the Order of Canada. That’s huge, and I’d like everyone to join me in congratulating him for that.

Again, we have a wonderful breadth of experience around that board table. They understand where we need to go and how we need to update. And so the proposed updates that we’ve suggested to go into this legislation will support innovative activities, commercialization—which is so, so important—new solutions, new relationships and, most importantly, always looking to how our farmers, and our food and beverage industries in this province can continue to increase productivity so that we can continue to compete globally.

We have to do everything we can in this province, quite frankly, Speaker, because at the federal level, they’re doing nothing but handcuffing our farmers and our processing manufacturing industry due to the carbon tax. It’s just a tax on top of a tax. Actually, that’s one thing that hasn’t been talked about in this House much. If you were to look at the propane bills that we receive on a monthly basis—

Interjections.

I’m pleased to share with the member opposite, who’s a huge champion for our agri-food industry, that we are listening to stakeholders, we’re listening to farmers, and we’re bringing forward thoughtful policies that truly are making a difference.

For instance, I was so very proud to continue to support the Minister of Red Tape Reduction and his most recent piece of legislation he tabled that could translate into potential savings of $4 million for agriculture and horticultural societies—and we’re continuing to reduce burden.

But we need to be perfectly clear in this House: The biggest burden on Ontario farmers today is the carbon tax. I think every single MPP in this House should be standing up and doing the right thing for Ontario farmers and saying no to the carbon tax. I am totally disgusted with the events this past week, whereby C-234 has been completely gutted, especially during our harvest. I’m sure the agriculture minister—“minister”; I just promoted you—the agriculture critic for the NDP—

But it’s our government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, that’s listening. And because of that, we’re introducing $8 million worth of programs to support the mental health of farmers in Ontario. We’re introducing, next week, $16.5 million in our Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative. We’re moving forward and trying to introduce and incent food and beverage manufacturers to save on energy and bring through innovations, and that program alone is a $10-million investment. Ladies and gentlemen, we are also investing $10 million in improving meat-processing capacity in this province. We’re listening. We’re bringing forward programs that are going to help—

I want to thank the member from Peterborough for being a genuine champion not only of rural communities but of our agricultural industry as well. He’s spot on when he talks about the contribution that Ontario beef farmer make to our overall GDP. That translates into tens of thousands of jobs right across this province.

Ontario beef farmers understand that they finally have a government that listens and understands. Never was I more proud earlier this year to stand with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Colleges and Universities to announce a unique initiative whereby the Minister of Colleges and Universities oversaw a partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead to expand the veterinary program. My Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs complements that with a veterinary incentive program to ensure that large-animal vets are incented to work in underserviced areas. That’s just one example of many.

Another example would be just the briefing I had from the Minister of Labour, where we were talking about how we can better support the growth of the opportunities and capacities of our meat-processing plants—

This matters why? It matters because Ontario beef farmers know they have a government that stands with them as they travel the world to make sure that countries that are looking for good-quality beef products come to Ontario first. That matters because there’s a huge opportunity in terms of exports, and that translates into jobs right here at home. Whether it is Cargill in Guelph, or Cardinal Meats in Brampton, Norpac in Norwich or St. Helen’s right here in Toronto, we are producing—from farm to processing plant to table—protein that people can count on around the world.

I appreciate the question from the member from Carleton because I’m very proudly standing in this House to say that our government is planning today for the future jobs of tomorrow. That includes our agri-food sector. Through our Grow Ontario Strategy, over the next 10 years, we have set a target to grow employment in our agri-food sector by 10%.

A key to attracting people is pulling them in and making them aware of the amazing jobs our sector has at a young age. That’s why the 4-H program in Ontario is so, so important. I had the pleasure just last week of sharing with people across this province how our government is continuing to invest in agricultural leadership development. One way is through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership program, whereby we’re investing $2.3 million over the next three years in Ontario 4-H. That is continuity and certainty for this program as they expose young people to the amazing opportunities in careers in the agri-food sector.

We’re engaging diverse communities through this program. We are ensuring that the four jobs that are waiting for every one individual graduating from agriculture or a food service program will have jobs available to them. This funding will benefit the already 6,000 4-H members and young people wanting to work in the agri-food sector in Ontario.

I appreciate the question from the member from Brantford–Brant, because it’s very important to recognize the amazing work that our feather boards are doing on behalf of Ontarians and Canadians and people around the world.

When you take a look at what Ontario chicken, Ontario egg, Ontario turkey and Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission are doing collectively—they’re growing the demand for good, safe, quality chicken around the world. I’m so very pleased to stand with them to further research that will enable them to continue to increase production to satisfy the demand not only in Canada but around the world. We’re partnering with the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario, the four poultry organizations, as well as the University of Guelph to create and stand up and build a state-of-the-art research facility near Elora that will prove to set best practices around the world.

I do appreciate the question from the member from Cambridge because our government has set out ambitious growth targets for our agri-food sector through our Grow Ontario Strategy. In that strategy, we have committed to growing Ontario’s agri-food markets and exports by 8% annually by 2030, and I’m pleased to say that we have already taken steps to accomplish just that.

Last week, we announced our Grow Ontario Market Initiative, and while I was at the Earlton Farm Show, I want to share with you that an astute person said, “If you don’t lock in the sale, nothing else matters. You need good marketing initiatives to secure that sale.” That’s what we are doing, Speaker. We’re introducing a $6-million Grow Ontario Market Initiative program through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Through the Grow Ontario Market Initiative, eligible businesses can receive up to a 50% cost share for their eligible costs in terms of ramping up their marketing initiatives, and that translates into up to $60,000 in funding. We’re also putting out supports for our industry organizations as well, and if they have eligible projects, they could receive up to $125,000.

We’re committed to building Ontario, and it’s through Ontario’s agri-food sector and the building of our marketing initiatives that we are going to absolutely prevail and show the rest of the world—

I’m very pleased to share with the House today that Ontario is Canada’s food hub when it comes to processing.

The member from Brampton East is absolutely right; we have amazing food processors right in his home riding—and I appreciate the question very much.

Just recently, we hosted a food summit with over 200 participants. At that summit, we celebrated good work that our government has initiated; for instance, the Food Security and Supply Chain Fund, as well as the Strategic Agri-Food Processing Fund.

We’re building more capacity, because the world is looking to Ontario.

I want to share with you, as well, that at the summit I was very proud to launch the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative—because it’s processors like in the member’s riding that are looking to modernize and looking for ways to reduce cost of production. So through a $10-million fund, we’re helping food processors identify and increase efficiencies throughout their processing plants.

Food production affects everyone in this province.

To the students who are in the galleries today: I want to assure you that there are amazing careers—careers for life—in Ontario’s agri-food sector. I encourage you to research those opportunities.

Our government stands with Ontario farmers and processors. Through the Agri-Food Energy Cost Savings Initiative, we are looking to cost-share up to 20% of all energy-saving initiatives that processors in this province undertake, up to a maximum of $300,000. Why are we doing this? Because we want our story to be sustainable. We want to be ensuring that processors are modernizing and embracing every opportunity to reduce costs of production that ultimately translate into affordable, good-quality food on store shelves throughout this province.

The member opposite is clearly out of touch, because for the last number of weeks we’ve been making historic announcements. We’re investing over $2 billion in Ontario’s agri-food industry, from the laneway through to processing.

Farmers are buoyed; they’re energized. They know they have a government in Premier Ford and all of us in caucus who actually understand the business of producing food. For instance, we have introduced a soil health study that RBC noted as a hidden gem in the budget. It’s $9.5 million that is going to look at the health of soil.

I was just at the Earlton Farm Show this past weekend, and people are applauding the fact that we actually get it and are demonstrating that we are moving on priorities that truly matter to farmers, who are working so hard to produce good-quality food in Ontario.

To the member from Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry: I appreciate your advocacy in rural Ontario. It’s valued very much.

The question matters because, just last week, I signed a $343-million renewed Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance agreement just near Elora, at a dairy research centre. It was very important because we signed that agreement with Dr. Charlotte Yates, president of the University of Guelph, and it represents research that is going to generate action and outcomes that matter for all of Ontario’s agri-food sector. It was a great day.

Reflecting on the previous alliance agreement that we had, we have generated outcomes that have seen high immune response technology that leads to healthier cattle herds. And we’ve also seen and celebrated the Guelph Millennium asparagus. It was a brand new variety created at the University of Guelph that is incredibly popular not only in Ontario but jurisdictions around the world—

Speaker, we made a commitment in our government’s Grow Ontario Strategy to build and maintain world-class research infrastructure for our agri-food industry. We’re getting that job done, and we’re generating positive outcomes.

Thank you to the member from Niagara West for his question. I want to assure everyone listening today that the Ontario agri-food sector continues to be a number one priority for our government.

I’m very pleased to share that we created, through a federal-provincial-territorial initiative in the fall of 2021 in Guelph, a Guelph statement that provided the framework for a negotiation to realize greater investments through a federal-provincial partnership. And the member from Niagara West just witnessed, last week, a historic signing whereby Minister Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and myself, signed a $1.77-billion agreement to deliver for Ontario’s agri-food sector—programs like the suite of business risk management, stewardship initiatives and investment in strategic priorities, will be realized because of this historic agreement. The future is bright for Ontario.

The future is bright. I am so very proud of how our commodity organizations are working with our government here in Ontario to make sure—

Just moments ago, we heard about the amazing news at Bimbo in Hamilton. I trust that everyone in this House has absolute confidence in the nutritious, high-quality food grown and produced right here in Ontario.

It’s because of the Ontario farmers’ best practices, coupled with research and innovation, that year over year our yields are increasing. And because of that, we’re in a position as the government of Ontario to be their best champions. We are increasing awareness of, and demand for, good, quality food grown and processed right here in Ontario.

We’ve recently sent a message around the world to our international markets that Ontario is open for business. Our Ontario farmers are growing capacity and increasing food production, and we have an incredible value chain that ultimately will not only meet domestic demand but demand coming from other jurisdictions around the world.

That’s why I was very pleased to take 18 delegates representing five key sectors in our agri-food industry to PAN Vietnam. We had representatives from beef, pork, grains, oilseeds and ginseng and, Speaker, it was a tremendously successful trade mission insomuch as we had memorandums of understanding signed. We hosted and facilitated over 100 business-to-business meetings. We met with business and diplomatic leaders and, Speaker, people are looking to Ontario. They are proud of the work that we’ve achieved, and I can tell you with absolute confidence, we’re going to continue to grow demand for good, quality nutritious food grown and processed right here in Ontario.

Thank you very much to the member from Thunder Bay–Atikokan. Just last year, I visited his particular area and was impressed with the agricultural presence that that particular region of northern Ontario has, and just this past week, I spent time in Timmins with the amazing Minister of Mines. His passion and his commitment to the agri-food sector in northern Ontario is not only infectious, but it’s inspired as well.

Through our Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we have invested $300,000 in a thoughtful strategy that embraces ideas coming from the city of Timmins and the municipality of Black River-Matheson, as well as our farming communities. That thoughtful approach is taking a look at how we can further develop our lands in northern Ontario into primary production, and it’s through leadership like the Commerce Management Group and the Abitibi Institute that we’re exploring more opportunities. We met with Frank, who’s been milking cows since 1958. We met with Karen in regenerative farming, Eric in urban farming and Ed, a 1,600-acre cash cropper in northern Ontario.

There’s so much more to talk about, and I can’t wait for my supplemental.

Our government, since elected, has invested in 250 northern projects totalling $4.1 million. I also want to give a nod and share my appreciation to the Minister of Northern Development, who has supported over 300 projects worth $55 million of investment in agriculture and food production.

We’re bridging that community in northern Ontario to new technologies and new innovations that will see more arable land in northern Ontario that outsizes Manitoba into production.

It’s working, because in talking about potatoes, I learned from OFVGA just yesterday that they’re looking to increase potato production and seed potato production. We’re increasing the number of cars on the Ontario Northland bringing grains down to southern Ontario. Everywhere, every point in Ontario, is going to be proud of the agricultural production.

It’s a pleasure to rise in this House to address the amazing industry that we have in Ontario, our agri-food sector.

Just on Monday, we released a Grow Ontario plan that has been well received by every commodity organization and every general farm organization in this province. Part of that strategy over the next 10 years is to see production increase by 30%. Farmers and agri-food businesses alike are applauding the fact that we have a strategy that’s going to see our agri-food sector not only excel but, year over year, increase yields as we embrace new innovations and new technologies that are going to see our yields go through the roof. Why? Ontario consumers need confidence in their food supply—not only in this province, but across Canada.

The rest of the world is watching our industry because they’re seeing us as leaders.

Again, our future is bright in Ontario’s agri-food industry.

The fact of the matter is, we have released a strategy that has been embraced by every single player and stakeholder in our value chain. We’re looking to strengthen our agri-food supply chain over the next 10 years. We’re increasing production by 30%. We’re increasing food manufacturing by 30%. We’re increasing our exports by 8% annually. And most importantly, we’re looking to increase our food and beverage manufacturing by 10%.

Again, the future is bright because we have a government that not only understands but cares for the agri-food industry in this province. By working through our three pillars—to strengthen our supply chain; to embrace innovation and agri-tech; as well as growing our labour force, our workforce and the talent within our agri-food sector—we are going to excel, and the world is going to see us as a world leader.

Not only do I appreciate the amazing work that the member from Brant offers his constituents and the agri-food industry, but I very much appreciate the question, because I’m pleased to share with you that after the agri-food industry in Ontario has been ignored for years through the Liberal government and their friends on the opposition benches, I am absolutely pleased to share with you that our plan to grow Ontario forward has been incredibly well-received by all stakeholders in Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Ontario is poised to build a secure and stable supply chain, and Grow Ontario is our strategy to ensure that our agri-food sector in this province has certainty in its supply chain. It’s the result of conversations that I’ve had for over a year with our stakeholders, like Food and Beverage Ontario, who told me that the number one challenge is a labour shortage. So, through building a strong supply chain, growing our labour workforce, as well as innovation and research, the future is bright for Ontario’s agri-food industry.

Our stakeholders are incredibly pleased that they finally have a government that understands the importance of the agri-food industry, and our Grow Ontario plan has real goals with tangible actions. Our strategy represents a bold vision, built on a commitment that is second to none, and it will also raise awareness of the amazing food produced right here in Ontario, not only for our consumers in this province but around the world.

I want to thank both my colleague the Minister of Red Tape Reduction as well as his parliamentary assistant, the member for Niagara West, for all the great work that you have done. It’s a pleasure to partner with you on this important piece of legislation, the Less Red Tape, Stronger Ontario Act. This bill and the items that it represents are yet another example of our government’s commitment, if you will, as well as our concrete action, in making sure that business is easier in Ontario.

You can’t mention business in Ontario without recognizing our province’s agri-food industry. The agri-food industry in this province is a $47-billion sector, and it supports one in 10 paycheques across this province. Ontario’s food and beverage industry is the largest manufacturing sector. You simply cannot grow our economy without recognizing that when our provincial economy is growing, that translates into growth in our agri-food sector as well.

I’ve said for some time that the future is bright for farming and our agri-food industries across this province, and I look forward to seeing how we, as a government, under the leadership of Premier Ford, continue to remove hurdles and barriers to allow our farmers and our agri-food businesses to grow.

I would also like to recognize that we have a labour shortage in this province and limited processing capacity, and it has made our overall supply chain a little bit challenging. But I have to tell you, there is such desire to realize efficiencies, and there’s such desire to grow Ontario. We are all working across ministries to make sure our agri-food sector is second to none and churning on all cylinders.

We’ve seen first-hand, over the last couple of years, delays in things like computer chips for tractors, or delays in the delivery of equipment for dairy parlours or even inputs for crops. That impact is significant, so we need to take a look at our supply chain and determine how we can best build in resiliency.

I might dare suggest, as you’ve heard time and again in this House: A made-in-Ontario solution is the best route. How are we going to sustain that solution? By cutting red tape. That’s why it’s such a pleasure to join the debate today.

Across the province, farmers, industry, government and the 750,000 Ontarians who are proud to go to work each and every day in our sector share a commitment to make sure that we have a bright future, as I mentioned before, and that we have the proper supports in place.

Based on the leadership of Premier Ford, as a government, we’re working together to take steps to cut red tape. The fact of the matter is, we are saving the agri-food sector already over $3.5 million and countless hours of unnecessary paperwork, and that has been incredibly well received to date.

As of today, speaking in this House, I can tell you with absolute certainty that we’ve launched thoughtful and timely programs to continue the reduction of red tape, to continue our efforts to support farmers to be outstanding in their field, and to support our agri-food businesses to be processing the most nutritious, safe and greatest-quality food not only in Ontario but across Canada, throughout North America, and around the world. Just earlier today, I heard farmers saying that we set the standard. I really feel that through this red tape legislation we continue to push the envelope in the spirit of setting standards as well.

Something I’d be remiss if I didn’t touch on is the manner in which our government was very dexterous and had the ability to move swiftly, and that’s with regard to how our supply chain was impacted by the supply of fertilizer—and not only the supply of fertilizer, but the soaring prices associated with that limited supply. We moved in a very exact method to address that and to introduce and incent people to come forward with made-in-Ontario solutions. Our government is investing $2 million in a fertilizer challenge to support, as I mentioned, made-in-Ontario solutions so that we’re shortening the supply chain, bringing those much-needed goods closer to our farmers, and incenting industry at the same time to increase and develop new fertilizer options, alternatives and, most importantly, new technology.

It’s targeted investments like these that are helping to set the Ontario food sector apart from other jurisdictions, but more importantly, it’s setting our sector up for success.

I want to take a moment to recognize some of the growth that we’ve seen in this sector. For example, in farm tax receipts there was an over 5% increase in 2021, and the total value of capital on Ontario farms has grown by about 40% since 2016.

We’ve seen increases in crop production as well, year over year. For instance, let’s take a look at corn production. The average bushel per acre of corn produced in 2002 was 113; by 2004, it was 131. Last year, in 2021, the average production in terms of bushels per acre for grain corn was 175; that was up from 167 in 2016.

I’m smiling because, through new technologies and new best practices, our production around the province is increasing.

Within the last couple of weeks, Ontario Pork visited Queen’s Park, and it was awesome to hear one of Ontario Pork’s provincial directors talk about his average of corn harvest this past year. In eastern Ontario, that gentleman harvested more than 200 bushels per acre in corn. That’s phenomenal for eastern Ontario. We are adapting our technology to soil types, we’re adapting our technology to growing seasons, and we’re adapting because the world needs Ontario to be its most productive.

As far as trade goes, it’s also interesting to note, in the spirit of talking about Ontario Pork, that Ontario’s pork farmers are sending their products to 41 different countries—41. That’s phenomenal. Over 70% of all produce grown right here in Ontario greenhouses gets exported.

Again, the world is looking to Ontario to continue the path we’re on, and by reducing more red tape and introducing opportunities for more efficiencies through the embracing of new technologies and adopting new strategies, we’re going to continue to grow.

It leads me to touch on the amazing work that the MPP from Chatham-Kent–Leamington is doing as parliamentary assistant to OMAFRA. He is strongly rooted in our greenhouse industry.

To give you an example of how we’re shortening supply chains and thinking about the produce that Ontarians value year-round, we’re now seeing, through the adoption of new technologies, the production of strawberries, right here in Ontario, year-round, and they do taste really good. We challenge people to beat that flavour.

Seeing new innovations in the greenhouse sector is just one example of how we’re moving the bar and setting new standards, because there are so many opportunities in this province.

As I recognized before, there are ongoing challenges facing the sector, like concerns with processing capacity and labour shortages. They’re top of mind for me, and we hear about them time and again from our stakeholders. But our government will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder—and we will do our part to ensure the future is full of opportunities to shine a spotlight on the amazing careers that can be realized through Ontario’s agri-food sector. Whether it’s computer science, soil science or working hands-on on a farm, there is an opportunity for everyone.

That’s why I’m so pleased to have released, just this morning, along with my colleague the Minister of Red Tape Reduction, our Grow Ontario strategy, which is part of the fall red tape reduction package. We’re supporting this effort by debating the bill today. I have to tell you, this morning was a great success. I want to thank all the stakeholders who joined us at the Ontario Food Terminal for this great news. The Minister of Red Tape Reduction and myself were joined by another amazing MPP, the MPP for Etobicoke–Lakeshore, because the Ontario Food Terminal is located right in her riding. It’s one of the largest food hubs in North America. They want to grow, and so we’re going to stand with them and make sure that, by reducing burden and reducing red tape, they can help their vendors grow and, by extension, grow the terminal as well. This is important because Ontarians absolutely need to have sustained confidence in our food supply, and the rest of the world is looking to us as well.

Our Grow Ontario strategy aims to build that consumer confidence even more, support farmers and Ontario’s food supply, drive research and innovation, and, most importantly, grow a strong workforce in the spirit of strengthening our supply chain. This strategy has been informed by voices throughout the sector, starting last year, and I really value the input from our farmers, our stakeholders and all of the players throughout our supply chain, because they’ve taken a lot of time—from our food summit through our innovation summit and all the round tables in between, voices were heard and voices were respected. We’re going to act on their asks in terms of reducing burden, in the spirit of reducing red tape, so that they can continue to grow.

From grain farmers in my neck of the woods, the counties of Huron and Bruce, to pork farmers in Perth and Wellington counties, to beef and dairy producers in northern and eastern Ontario, through to the fruit and vegetable growers in Northumberland, Essex, the Holland Marsh and Niagara—the list could go on and on, but I’d be remiss if we didn’t note that we also are strong and need to look at barriers and red tape that need to be reduced for our food and beverage manufacturers throughout the GTHA, as well. The informative discussions that we had helped to create our vision in Grow Ontario for what our sector can be.

The strategy is divided into three pillars. The first pillar is our plan to strengthen agri-food supply chain stability. Our goal is to increase the production of food grown and prepared in Ontario by 30%, and our farmers and our stakeholders are telling us this can be done. We’re also going to be looking to increase food and beverage manufacturing by 10% and boost Ontario’s agri-food exports by 8% annually by 2032. As part of that pillar, I’m pleased to share that our government will also be opening applications for the $10-million Food Security and Supply Chain Fund to provide investments for projects that will help secure the supply chain from disruption. Again, that is a program that was informed by consultation, and it too will be well received. I look forward to receiving people’s interest as a result. At the end of the day, we’re taking action to open up international markets with the goal of ensuring there is a stable supply chain, both domestically here in the province of Ontario, and across Canada, North America and globally for Ontario’s agri-food sector.

A few weeks ago, I had the honour of speaking at the Toronto Global Forum, an international conference that brings together leaders in industry to foster dialogue on national and global issues. The theme of this conference was the new economy, and one of my very first messages to this forum was that the Ontario agri-food industry always has been and always will be a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy. Without farmers, processors, veterinarians, transporters, grocers and everyone else along our supply chain, Ontario would not be the economic powerhouse that it is today. And I’m working closely with the Premier and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade to open up international markets for Ontario’s agri-food industry.

Our second pillar is our plan to increase agri-food technology and adoption. By advancing technology and innovation, we will continue to make the lives of those in our agri-food sector easier and support new best practices. And in my recent travels, I’ve been lucky to see this pillar already in action, I dare say, in the spirit of the future of farming. And what will the future look like under this pillar? It’s one where autonomous vehicles are able to step in and give farmers the data they need to make decisions not only for their soil but for their crops, like we saw at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show; one where students like the ones at Durham College are learning how to grow commodities like lettuce and garlic vertically to enable more abundant operations in urbanized areas—and we also saw how Ontario has become the clear leader in agri-food business and operations.

Our third pillar responds to a challenge that I have heard about over and over again, no matter what the commodity or sector is. That final pillar is our plan to attract and grow Ontario’s agri-food talent. Our goal is to increase total agri-food sector employment by 10% by 2032; increase awareness of the amazing, modern, high-tech agri-food careers and opportunities for mentorship and hands-on job training; and support efforts to increase, for example, veterinary capacity throughout the province.

We heard at a recent round table that our Premier participated in that labour is a top concern across the sector. Chris Conway of Food and Beverage Ontario said, “Labour is our top priority. Despite concerted recruitment efforts by food and beverage processors there are not sufficient people working in our sector today to even maintain the status quo. Unchecked, this labour crisis will worsen as we face a record number of retirements in the next five years. We need to recruit and retain thousands of new employees to ensure Ontario families have a reliable supply of food and beverage products.”

I’m pleased to stand with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to help realize that opportunity to attract new people to our sector as well.

Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is, when we met with stakeholders just last week—the Premier and our parliamentary assistants—we heard loud and clear from our agricultural stakeholders that the number one issue in Ontario right now is labour. You can grow all the crops that you want in this province, but if we don’t have processors with the proper labour force, then it’s all for naught.

Our number one priority is making sure—

Interjection.

Again, we have a housing crisis in this province of Ontario—and our processors and our stakeholders are asking for more homes to support that labour.

Thank you very much to the member opposite from Cambridge for that question.

I want to share with you, Speaker, that through the leadership of Premier Ford and the commitment of our government, some of the most advanced agri-food research around the world is happening right here in Ontario. We are investing in research stations positioned strategically throughout the province, like in Emo, in northwestern Ontario, where they’re seeing if a crop of hops can grow. We have research stations that farmers and government alike are partnering on, like we have in Elora. We also are investing $7 million in over 50 Ontario-led research projects facilitated through institutions like the University of Guelph, focused on environmental stewardship, animal and plant health, as well as rural economic development.

We have greenhouse growers developing initiatives that are going to see net-zero energy greenhouses. We’re putting digital soil-mapping into the hands of farmers. And, Speaker, we are also bringing agri-tech forward with the adoption of new innovations, automation and robotics.

But, again, Speaker, under the vision of Premier Ford, doors for new, innovative, made-in-Ontario solutions have been opened. And I’m pleased to share with you an example that really has hit home, because we’re wanting to inspire and invite and incentivize companies to invest in Ontario for Ontario-led solutions, like the fertilizer challenge that we opened up. We’re inviting people to bring forward ideas to introduce new opportunities for fertilizer that has been made right here in Ontario.

When we come up with alternatives like fertilizer solutions right here in this province of Ontario, our farmers will be the early adopters. And what does that generate? It generates consumer confidence in their food source—nutritious, delicious, grown right here, close at home.

Speaker, in closing, I want to share with you that it is our government that’s standing shoulder to shoulder with our farmers, with our food processors and with our innovators to make sure we’re leading-edge and everyone—

The member from Perth–Wellington is absolutely right: Our farmers across Ontario are the very best responsible stewards of the land. I’m sure that our friends from Beef Farmers of Ontario would also agree—and they confirmed this during their visits with all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle today.

Over the decades, Ontario farmers have been embracing best practices. They have environmental farm plans. They have nutrient management plans. They’re embracing the 4R principle for fertilizer use, using the right fertilizer source—the proper source, and they’re using it at the right rate, and they’re using it at the right time, and in the right place. The former practices of broad application aren’t employed any longer.

Our government has also invested $21 million to assist farmers in completing over 2,000 cost-shared programs and an additional $2.5 million to ensure that the Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability program succeeds.

Earlier this spring, I hosted a food summit, and again, we listened and valued the input from hundreds of participants. As a result, we are now working on a food security and stable supply chain strategy, in addition to an innovation strategy to propel our entire sector forward. We also have a soil action group that is working on a made-in-Ontario soil strategy.

Over and above that, Speaker, I have to share with you that I’m very proud to say that in the very near future, we will be supporting timely and thoughtful initiatives that will be geared towards fertilizer use and solutions.

Our government is working with farmers like never before and—

To the member from Elgin–Middlesex–London: Clearly, you absolutely have a passion and heart for the agri-food sector. Thank you for recognizing the significance that the agri-food sector plays in the overall GDP. But I have a fun question for you. When it comes to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, SuperDogs, horse show or the Hereford show—what’s the top one in your mind and what else should we go and visit while we’re there?