Ontario’s agricultural sector is welcoming the appointment of Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, with industry leaders highlighting the significance of having a provincial agriculture minister from Essex County for the first time in history.
With Ontario’s agri-food industry contributing $47 billion to the province’s GDP and exporting nearly $20 billion worth of goods (much of it to the U.S.), farm leaders say they hope Jones will address pressing concerns, including infrastructure needs, market access, and threats from urban sprawl.
Jones steps into the role amid increasing trade uncertainty, particularly due to tariff threats from the U.S. and China. In an interview with CKNXNewsToday.ca, he acknowledged the challenge.
"Short-term, we have to deal with this tariff situation," he said. "Our primary producers and processors are feeling it right now."
The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), which represents 28,000 grain and oilseed farmers, has also expressed optimism about working with Jones. GFO Chair Jeff Harrison noted that the organization previously collaborated with Jones when he served as parliamentary assistant to the agriculture minister.
"We look forward to working with him on priorities that benefit farmer-members," Harrison said, citing issues such as risk management, carbon tax relief for grain drying, and reducing red tape on farm transportation.
Ontario’s beef farmers share a similar outlook, with Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) President Craig McLaughlin emphasizing the need for continued government support in navigating trade uncertainty. "We’re eager to begin work with Minister Jones to ensure Ontario’s beef farmers have access to the supports and resources needed to sustain and grow our footprint at home and abroad," McLaughlin said.
Jones takes over from Rob Flack, who helped secure an additional $100 million for Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP). That funding will be phased in over three years to help farmers withstand market volatility.
With Essex County home to the largest greenhouse industry in North America, industry leaders are hopeful that Jones' local ties will bring more attention to their needs in Queen’s Park.