The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) Annual Queen's Park Barbecue reached new heights this year by serving Ontario Corn Fed Beef tenderloin to over 700 attendees during their 12th annual lobby event held yesterday on the lawn of the Ontario legislature
To begin the day, BFO’s Board of Directors were greeted with good news, as the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, The Honourable Jeff Leal, announced the Ontario government's commitment to double the government guarantee under the Ontario Feeder Cattle Loan Guarantee program (OFCLGP), effective immediately. This much needed increase will contribute significantly to the sustainability of Ontario's beef industry.
“As much as we hear from MPPs and legislative staff that our barbecue is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, our Directors and staff equally anticipate the day with the same excitement and appreciation," said Matt Bowman, BFO President. "The announcement made by our Minister regarding the OFCLGP certainly set the tone for positive and productive discussions throughout the day, and we appreciate all opportunities to meet with our elected officials to discuss the issues that are important to Ontario's beef farmers.
" In addition to the beef barbecue, held over the lunch hour, BFO Directors and staff personally met with numerous MPPs to extend appreciation for their support for the guarantee increase under the OFCLGP, as well as continue discussions on BFO's plans for expanding the cow herd in Ontario and communicate the importance of sustaining and growing Ontario's Risk Management program, a valuable business tool for farmers.
BFO wishes to thank Minister Leal and Premier Kathleen Wynne for generously taking time to carve and serve beef to the barbecue attendees. BFO also appreciated the participation of Patrick Brown, Ontario PC Leader; Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP Leader; and John Vanthof, NDP Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, who all helped to slice and serve beef.
Source: OntarioBeef