I appreciate the question from the member from Brantford–Brant very much because it allows us to stand in this House to share with everyone and those watching live that our Grow Ontario Strategy is working. For example, we had put in our strategy that we wanted to increase exports of Ontario-grown and -produced food by 30% by the year 2020 and essentially, in 2022 and 2023, we’ve actually increased exports by 20.9%. Ladies and gentlemen, our plan is working.

Furthermore, research is so important and we need to continue to innovate. Our strategy set out that we wanted to see more than 250 patents and licences realized by the year 2032. Through 2022 to the end of 2023, we actually saw 43 patents and licences realized through funding by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Our strategy is on the mark—

I’d like to thank the member from Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock for her question because it allows me the opportunity to share with everyone in the House something that you already know: Ontario consumers have trust in Ontario’s agri-food sector because it’s reliable and it’s stable.

But, Speaker, over and above that, our agri-food sector does $51 billion worth of two-way trade. And given the leadership of Premier Ford and our government, we’ve increased our global exports by 13.4% since 2020.

Our government is promoting trust and confidence in made-in-Ontario food at every opportunity. This week, there are nearly 20 businesses in our Ontario pavilion at the Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show in Chicago. They’re opening up new doors.

And earlier this fall, Ontario hosted our country’s largest grocery meeting, where 44 Ontario companies, much like Mariposa Dairy, held over 160 meetings to discuss nearly $14 million in potential sales. We’re strong in terms of our agri-food sector in the province of Ontario, and we’re—

I’d be remiss if I didn’t reflect on Ontario Pork, since they’re here today at Queen’s Park. Ontario Pork exports $700 million in products every year to 41 different countries—9% of that goes directly to Japan, which is a growing market for Ontario agri-food.

Unlike the previous Liberal government, that turned a blind eye to the agri-food industry, our government is building up the value of our sector in terms of agriculture and food export potential, and we know it’s an important driver in our overall provincial economy. Because of that, we’re proud to be supporting our farmers, our processors, and we’re putting agri-tech innovation at the forefront.