7/17/2019 Local Agriculture Platform - Mike Perry NDP Campaign.pdf

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LOCAL AGRICULTURE PLATFORM

We can help our farmers here in Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock.

 Agriculture is a leading economic sector in our riding, especially in the City ofKawartha Lakes, Brock Township and Cavan–Monaghan. I am the elected Chairof the Kawatha Lakes Food Coalition; a large group of producers, policy-makers,gardeners, retailers and food lovers interested in sustaining and developing ourlocal food system. I listen, learn and have a proven track record of getting resultsfor us locally.

I have been listening to farmers across of area. The federal government has arole to play in helping ensure our farmer prosper in producing the food we allneed. What we need is the political will, good ideas, and hard work to get results.

 As our new Member of Parliament, I will be a listening, helpful partner for localfarmers and champion of local agriculture, especially for our small farms andlocal food sector. I will continue Barry Devolin’s Agriculture Advisory Committeeto ensure I receive real-world, local advice on issues and concerns.

I plan to undertake specific, concrete action working together as a partner with allinvolved in the food system. In addition to advocating for local priorities in

Growing Forward , Phase III and helping with financing for young and start-upfarmers, especially with non-traditional livestock and vegetables, I will work incollaboratively and in consultation to:

•  protect supply management and our agriculture sectors in the proposedTrans Pacific Partnership trade agreement;

•  address farm succession planning by amending financial rules so retiringfarmers can use their RRSPs to hold secured mortgages for new farmersin return for mentoring packages;

•  explore solutions to the issue of “stray voltage” currently affecting locallivestock;

•

  increase the availability of the professional farm workforce includingveterinarians and technicians for project work with the ability to certifyresults, as needed;

•  pursue federal funding to help construct local meat processing facilities forbeef, poultry, lamb, etc.; and

•  continue to help develop and enhance ‘food hubs’ in our area to link localproducers with local food processors, marketers and retailers.