For immediate release:
April 11, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady today voted in favour of Bill 155, which will see the modernization of The Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO). ARIO was created in 1962 and the ARIO Act last had major amendments in the 1990s.
In the Legislature on April 10, Brady announced her support of Bill 155 but did question Minister Thompson as to how the bill will keep farmers at the planning table.
“I do support this bill, modernizing ARIO to reflect the current agri-food research environment as well as the research and innovation needs of the agri-food sector,” Brady said. “My question, however, is to the minister. I just would like to know how Bill 155 will ensure farmers are recognized and included as key participants and not merely as stakeholders.”
Minister Thompson didn’t answer Brady’s question and only spoke glowingly of her parliamentary assistants.
The Bill passed with all-party support and, as the government states: (the modernization) will broaden the scope of research in Ontario to help the agri-food industry stay on the cutting edge of best production practices and implement new technologies and innovative techniques that will increase the competitiveness and productivity of the sector.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446