Political Party Leaders Invited to Debate Food, Farm Issues

May 16, 2014

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Ontario’s political party leaders have been asked to participate in a debate on food and farm issues.

Invitations were sent to Kathleen Wynne (Liberal), Tim Hudak (Conservative), Andrea Horwath (NDP) and Mike Schreiner (Green) party leaders. Notices were sent out May 14.

The request comes from the province’s largest farm lobby group – Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors. If all the leaders agree to participate, this will mark the first debate (at least in recent memory) that will be dedicated solely to discussing agriculture, food and rural issues.

“The agriculture and food industry is Ontario’s number one employer and a major driver of the economy, generating more than $40 billion annually,” the release said.

An offer has been made to broadcast the debate live on TVO’s The Agenda. Steve Paikin has agreed to moderate the event. Candidates were asked to RSVP in a timely manner so that a date could be set.

Ontario voters head to the polls June 12, 2014.

Video: Spring Planting Prep Just Got Serious… We NEED This!

Getting closer to planting season means one thing… it’s time to get EVERYTHING ready.

Today didn’t go exactly as planned—we thought we’d be hauling potatoes again, but instead we spent the day digging equipment out of the cellar, hooking up the grain drill, and getting tractors ready to roll. With wheat planting just around the corner, every piece of equipment matters.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a normal day without a few problems… dead batteries, hydraulic issues, and a truck tire that absolutely refused to cooperate. We tried everything—jump packs, bead bazooka, ratchet straps… and eventually had to bring out the “big guns” just to get things moving again.

But that’s farm life—adapt, fix, and keep moving forward.

We’re getting close to go-time. Wheat seed is coming soon, and planting season is right around the corner