New Agriculture Minister Brings Renewed Hope for Ontario's Beef Sector

GUELPH, ON, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - On behalf of Ontario beef producers, the Board of Directors of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association (OCA) would like to extend a warm welcome to The Honourable Carol Mitchell , as she joins Cabinet with her portfolio as Ontario's new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The announcement was made yesterday at the Ontario Legislature, by Premier McGuinty.

Ontario's agri-food sector is vital to the province, and beef production is one of the largest sectors. Having served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Minister Mitchell is very well known to OCA and very familiar with the agriculture sector.

Gord Hardy, OCA President, is pleased with the Premier's selection. "Right now, agriculture is a challenging portfolio," he says. "We need programs and regulations that work for us if we are to continue to be a sustainable and profitable industry. Fortunately, Minister Mitchell represents a riding that is known for being one of the top beef-producing ridings in the province and we appreciate that the Minister is already well-versed in our issues as she takes on her new responsibilities."

Hardy also wishes the outgoing Agriculture Minister the best in her new portfolio as Minster of Education. "As well, OCA wishes Minister Dombrowsky the best of success in her new position as Minister of Education. On behalf of Ontario beef producers we would like to thank her for her work in the agriculture portfolio."

In conclusion, OCA believes that Minister Mitchell will be a great champion for agriculture in Ontario. Beef producers in the riding of Huron-Bruce have always enjoyed her attention in listening and responding to their issues.

"We anticipate that with her new role, our relationship with Minister Mitchell will only become stronger," concludes Hardy.

The Ontario Cattlemen's Association is a grassroots organization, formed in 1963, that represents the interests of Ontario's 19,000 cattle producers. The 2010 OCA Annual General Meeting will be held on February 24-25 at the DoubleTree International Plaza Hotel, in Toronto .

For further information: Gord Hardy, OCA President: [phone]; Lianne Appleby, OCA Communications Manager: [phone]