Ontario is taking another step to support growth in the province's agri-food sector by appointing eight members to the Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee.
Amy Cronin is a hog farm operator from the Bluevale area and the Ontario Pork Chair. She will co-chair the provincial steering committee with the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Deputy Minister, Deb Stark.
In 2013, the Premier challenged the sector to double its annual growth rate and create 120,000 new jobs by 2020. The Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee will provide advice on growth opportunities and the development of a growth measurement system.
“Ontario's agriculture and agri-food sector is a pillar for our economy. By bringing together experts from a wide range of backgrounds, this committee will focus on strategic opportunities to achieve the Premier's target of 120,000 new jobs in the sector by 2020,” says Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario’s agri-food industry employs 767,000 people and contributes $34.8 billion in GDP to the provincial economy.
