Ontario is taking another step to support growth in the province's agri-food sector by appointing members to the Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee.
In 2013, the Premier challenged the sector to double its annual growth rate and create 120,000 new jobs by 2020. The Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee, comprised of industry and government leaders and experts, will provide advice on growth opportunities and the development of a growth measurement system. Members include:
- Deb Stark, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Amy Cronin, Ontario Pork Chair, hog farm operator
- Ted Bilyea, President,Ted Bilyea & Associates consulting firm and Chair of the board of directors, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
- Jim Brandle, CEO, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
- Christian von Twickel, Executive Vice-President, Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd
- Norm Beal, President and CEO, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery and Executive Director, Food and Beverage Ontario
- Scott Graham, egg and cash crop farmer
- Jamison Steeve, Executive Director, Martin Prosperity Institute (Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto) and the Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity
Supporting the province's agriculture and food industry is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts
- The Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee is co-chaired by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Deputy Minister Deb Stark and Ontario Pork Chair Amy Cronin.
- Ontario’s agri-food industry employs 767,000 people and contributes $34.8 billion in GDP to the provincial economy.
Additional Resources
- Agri-Food Growth Steering Committee Members
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- ontario.ca/agriculture-news
Quotes
“Ontario's agriculture and agri-food sector is a pillar for our economy. By bringing together experts from a wide range of backgrounds, this committee will focus on strategic opportunities to achieve the Premier's target of 120,000 new jobs in the sector by 2020.”
Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“I look forward to working with this group as we develop ideas to help businesses in our sector boost exports and grow the domestic market.”
Amy Cronin, Committee Co-chair, Ontario Pork Chair, hog farm owner
For more information
Bryan Bossin
Minister's Office
T: 416-326-3069
Susin Micallef
Communications Branch
T: 519-826-3145
