LETTER FROM THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

This year, Ontario marked its 150th anniversary of Confederation. To observe this milestone, our government is celebrating and showcasing our province’s diverse communities and rich history.

Agriculture has been a building block of our province for well beyond 150 years. Indigenous people in what became the province of Ontario have a history of growing and harvesting food for at least a millennium.

Today, our agri-food sector is also one of the most diverse in the world and is home to nearly 50,000 farms that produce over 200 commodities. I’m proud of our farmers who are working hard each and every day to contribute to a strong economy, helping feed Ontarians and people around the world.

To honour Ontario’s incredible story and help recognize key agricultural contributors, our government is offering complementary commemorative signs to Ontario farming families, farming communities and farm properties that have been continuously connected to agricultural production for more than 150 years.

Applicants can apply for a sign by Oct. 31, 2017, designed for being displayed outdoors, by visiting http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/ontario150.htm.

Eligible registrants can also request a sign by mail. Please ensure to include a short description of your agriculture history along with your mailing address when doing so.

Requests via mail can be sent to:

Ontario Farms
c/o Agricultural Information Contact Centre
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON  N1G 4Y2

Please note, mail-in requests must be post-marked no later than Oct. 31, 2017 to be eligible. Also, individuals making mail-in requests will be contacted by an OMAFRA staff member for additional information – if required.

Together, we are celebrating the more than 150-year history of farming and support of the good things that grow in Ontario.

Sincerely,

Jeff Leal
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs