Ontario's agri-food industry has grown to almost $51 billion in GDP
Rob Flack, Ontario's minister of farming, agriculture and agribusiness, provided the following message to celebrate Ontario Agriculture Week:
Happy Ontario Agriculture Week! Every year during the week before Thanksgiving Monday, we celebrate the 871,000 people across the food supply chain who contribute to our thriving agri-food industry, from the Farm Gate to Consumer’s Plate.
As someone who has spent my career in the agri-food industry, I’ve seen firsthand how demanding this occupation is and how much dedication it requires. This is a way of life, not just a job – and for that, you all have my sincere respect and appreciation. Thanks to your hard work and effort, Ontario’s agri-food industry has grown to almost $51 billion in GDP.
When you’re engaged in your day-to-day routine, sometimes it is difficult to grasp the impact your contributions make to our province. However, when we look at the statistics and accomplishments of where our industry stands today it truly is incredible.
Since its inception in 2015, CFO Cares, an initiative led by the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, has delivered over 1 million fresh chicken meals to community foodbanks. The beef industry recently secured market access to Saudi Arabia, which highlights just how sought after Ontario products are across the globe. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, in partnership with other farming associations, have raised awareness about the importance of International Agriculture Workers and their efforts through their More Than a Migrant Worker campaign. And the Grain Farmers of Ontario have participated in a number of trade missions in order to increase economic opportunities for their stakeholders.
I would like to emphasize that these examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Our industry is accomplishing amazing results and is filled to the brim with talented and dedicated leaders. The success of Ontario’s agri-food industry would not be possible without each of your contributions and leadership.
To all of our farmers, agribusinesses, processors, and agri-food stakeholders: thank you for all that you do. Happy Ontario Agriculture Week!