EXCLUSIVE Q&A with Minister Lisa Thompson

LISA THOMPSON, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS, ONTARIO

LISA THOMPSON, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS, has a rich personal and family history in farming.

Born and raised in Huron County on a beef cash crop farm, but now living in Bruce County on a farm that has been in her husband’s family for 120 years, she is a graduate of the University of Guelph and an alumnus of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program at the Rural Ontario Institute. Before entering politics, Thompson was General Manager of the Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative (ODGC), Chair of the Ontario 4-H Foundation and Vice-chair of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. (now Agscape).

We spoke with her in early March. Following are edited highlights of the conversation.

WHAT IS YOUR GOVERNMENT DOING TO ENABLE FARMS TO THRIVE?

Very early on in coming into this role, I had the Premier’s support and the Minister of Finance’s support to introduce in the fall economic statement in 2021, a $25-million strategic processing fund to enable adding value right here in Ontario and extending it throughout the supply chain, bringing it closer to home.

DAIRY FARMERS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR INCREASED ACCESS TO PROCESSING CAPACITY IN OTHER PARTS OF THE PROVINCE. ARE YOU AWARE OF THAT?

We’re certainly open and I can tell you in that the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is over the moon when he sees more investment coming into Ontario and I look forward to seeing more investment to address bringing that processing closer to the farmer. “We need the dairy industry in Ontario to continue to be strong and viable so we need to look positively toward the future with regards to modernization and embracing new technologies.”

YOU RECENTLY ANNOUNCED FUNDING FOR INCREASED ACCESS TO VETERINARY CARE. IS THIS A PROVINCEWIDE NEED?

two years have taken their toll. Overall, we need the dairy industry in Ontario to continue to be strong and viable so we need to look positively toward the future with regards to modernization and embracing new technologies. People need to have confidence that I will be at the front of the line fighting for Ontario agriculture every step of the way.

It is something that we need to be addressing across the province but being mindful of the needs in northern and rural areas for large animal vets. In the spirit of innovation and technology, we need to be enabling everybody in the industry to take a look at new technologies so services to our Ontario farmers can be easily accessed and reflect the modernization that’s happening throughout that entire chain. I do hope vets see the support that’s coming their way to modernize and enable them to support the local farmers as best they can.

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WHAT KIND OF CALLS DO YOU GET FROM DAIRY FARMERS IN YOUR RIDING? HOW CAN THESE RURAL CONSTITUENTS GET GREATER INFLUENCE WITH THEIR ISSUES WHEN IT SEEMS URBAN ISSUES GET MORE ATTENTION?

We’re very much aware that Ontario’s agrifood industry is a significant driver in our province’s GDP. Going back to my riding, I like to maintain regular contact whether it’s 5% EARLY ORDER DISCOUNT UNTIL MARCH 4TH with the dairy producers that had an AGM on Friday night or whether it’s elsewhere, dairy farmers are just a text away when they’re concerned about something like CUSMA or transportation or succession planning. It’s important there is access with our government and their voices are listened to.

WHAT ARE YOUR FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE DAIRY INDUSTRY?

The dairy industry is very much a pillar in our overall provincial agri-food industry. I appreciate that people who are in the dairy industry are in it 365 days a year and the last Industrial technology at an affordable price A cost effective way to increase herd size Unmatched throughput Amazing cluster alignment Equipment options to suit all needs Unrivalled installation time Low maintenance cost Minimal fall-offs

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