ST. THOMAS – Joe Preston MP for Elgin – Middlesex – London was pleased to welcome Guy Lauzon, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri- Food to an agricultural meeting this past Saturday at the St. Thomas Senior’s Centre.

Mr. Preston and Mr. Lauzon met with sixty area farmers from all sectors to discuss issues in today’s farming industry.

This meeting was an opportunity for local farmers to ask questions and voice concerns to Mr. Lauzon. “Even on a day of terrible weather Agriculture is so important to this Member it was critical to meet and listen. All of the concerns and comments given today will be addressed directly with Minister Ritz. This has been a fantastic opportunity for the Elgin farming community to have their voices heard in Ottawa,” said Joe Preston MP.

Local farmers were pleased with the event and the information that was provided.

“We are pleased that the Canada Organic standards will come into effect in late 2008 (Dec 14th),” stated Gary Smith an organic farmer from St. Thomas.

Discussions focused around three key issues;

The New Business Risk Management Suite, which replaces the Canadian Agriculture Stabilization (CAIS) program, offers new programs that are more responsive, predictable and bankable for farmers.

Grown in Canada standards were discussed at length.

Lastly, a representative from the Pest Management Review Agency spoke about pesticides and chemical usage in today’s farming sector.

Those seeking further information on the meeting can contact Joe Preston’s constituency.