Municipal, provincial and federal representatives were brought up to date on agricultural concerns and issues at the annual Politicians Meeting in Elmwood. It's put on by the Bruce and Grey Federations of Agriculture.
Top of the list of topics was protecting our air and water. The Source Water Protection Plan is about to come into effect and the Great Lakes Protection Act is already in play. As well cap and trade legislation will have repercussions.
Huron Bruce M-P-P Lisa Thompson says farmers are recognized as having a role to play.
"We're hearing from our commodity organizations that they have the capability of absolutely being part of the solution so it's our responsibility as politicians to be their advocate and make sure that their voice is heard," said Thompson.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound M.P.P Bill walker echoed that sentiment.
"They have the biggest stake in the game. It's our land it's our water it's our air. We need to respect them and make sure they're at the table helping guide policy decisions," said Walker.
It's also recognized farmers have a role in educating the public and getting their message out. Huron Bruce M-P Ben Lobb; "We want to educate consumers to make sure that they know when they're buying pork or beef at the grocery store to try and look for the Ontario or the Canadian products and not the subsidized American products that are coming in," said Lobb.
Other topics covered at the annual politicians' meeting in Elmwood were the effort bring natural gas to the area as well as updates from commodity groups.
