Chairman Ed Benjamins of Chicken Farmers of Ontario told Queen’s Park politicians this week that things have changed, and it’s no longer the same old supply management system.
It is expanding production, serving niche markets and encouraging innovation.
He made the remarks during the annual chicken barbecue for provincial politicians.
“We told them that over the past decade we’ve completely modernized our approach. It’s not the same old supply management. We’re doing everything we can to put the needs of the consumers – the people – first,” Benjamins said.
"We started the day by meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural “Affairs, the Honourable Ernie Hardeman.
“From there, we met with over 20 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), in formal meeting settings, with thirty minutes of undivided face-time,” he said.
They also met with John Vanthof (MPP for Timiskaming—Cochrane, and NDP Agricultural Critic), John Fraser (MPP for Ottawa South, and Liberal Ag Critic) and Mike Schreiner (MPP for Guelph and Leader of the Green Party).
Who better than Benjamins to describe the transformation from a controversial, confrontational and hunkered-down board to what;'s happening now?
