COVID-19 has impacted Canada socially and economically in an unprecedented manner.
Our government has been there to listen to the concerns of individuals, businesses, the agri-industry and organizations of all sectors to implement emergency economic response measures.
COVID-19 has also amplified the importance of strengthening local farm and agri-food networks to prevent food insecurities and increase access for all Canadians.
Our local farmers and agri-food businesses play a critical role in our local economies. They provide quality food in our stores, restaurants and homes.
We are thankful for all the Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury businesses that represent the agri-industry such as dairy producers, crop growers, livestock and aquaculturist producers, beekeepers, as well as all supporting farming and agri-food industry partners who help feed our communities.
They have continued to work tirelessly to provide us with healthy and nutritious essentials and we owe them our utmost gratitude.
In light of COVID-19, some farm and agri-food businesses has been faced with a multitude of challenges. Changes in markets, buying trends, increase or decrease in operational capacity and the ability to attract the seasonal workers they rely on for the busy summer season has caused uncertainty for many.
Our government heard the many concerns and implemented robust and immediate measures to ensure their businesses have the support they need to get through this crisis. The following measures have been announced:
- Enabled Farm Credit Canada to provide an additional $5 billion in lending to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors
- $62.5 million to the fish and seafood processing sector through the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund
- $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Launched the national AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19, such as, set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms due to the temporary closure of food processing plants
- Increased the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste
- Launched the Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry
- $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers, put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad
I encourage all Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury residents to familiarize themselves with the many agri-industry vendors in their area. They are a great source of locally grown and/or sourced products.
Those dollars spent ensure that they can continue to offer our communities with a network of agri-food commodities that will help sustain these much- needed resources and in turn help grow the local economy.
You may also want to connect with local agri-food innovators and partners like the Farm to Table Northern-Ontario group and the Sudbury Community Garden Network to discover the important work they are doing throughout the riding.
These farms and agri-food associations are the livelihoods of many families; several of which are multigenerational who have helped combat food insecurity in our region for decades.
Whether you’ve had a potato from Rayside-Balfour, meat from the Valley area, eggs from Markstay-Warren, fresh berries from West Nipissing, fish caught in Killarney, or savoured any of the Nickel Belt - Greater Sudbury local offerings, your support is integral to their success and will secure their vitality for future generations.
I will continue to consult with and support local farm and agri-food associations to advocate on their behalf. Working together we can get through these uncertain times and strive for a more sustainable tomorrow.
Marc Serré is the MP for Nickel Belt
