Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Don McCabe sees some positive things for farmers in this week's provincial budget.
He says OMAFRA's budget is increasing, albeit ever-so-slightly, this year.
The OFA also welcomes the recognition of the economic power of the agriculture and agri-food sector.
McCabe says it was also good to see a significant amount of money set aside for infrastructure projects.
However, the OFA President doesn't like the idea that most of that money appears targeted to projects in the Greater Toronto Area.
McCabe suggests rural Ontario is going to have to be vigilant to make sure it makes good use of the infrastructure money it does get.
He expressed disappointment there was no recognition of the need for improved internet service - something he argues is needed to ensure rural Ontario is in a good position to exploit it's resources.
McCabe is also going to be participating in a committee to provide cap and trade program design ideas to the Premier.
The OFA president sees that as an opportunity to push for agriculture's involvement in that system as it is in the systems now in place in Alberta and California.
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McCabe welcomed the recognition of the agriculture and agri-food sector's economic power and strength and the sector's ability to meet the challenge of creating new jobs.
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McCabe feels he'll be able to make the case for agriculture's involvement in the carbon cap and trade program.
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McCabe was also disappointed there was no reference to internet infrastructure in this week's budget.
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