Flack asks for ‘food’ to be part of agriculture ministry’s name

Minister Rob Flack confirmed today the new name of province’s agriculture ministry – the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OAFA).

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Initially reported to be the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Agribusiness, Flack said in an interview today he told Premier Doug Ford it was important to keep the word ‘food’ in the ministry’s title. 

The former Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was split into two separate ministries last week, announced by the Premier’s office after a cabinet shuffle and extended break in the legislature was announced.

Flack will lead the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and former OMAFRA minister Lisa Thompson is now Minister of Rural Affairs.

When asked about the splitting of the two ministries, Flack said that agriculture and food “is a massive industry in this province”, and that Premier Ford felt “that needed to be front and centre.”

He noted that one in every 10 Ontarians work in the agriculture sector, from farm gate to consumer plate, and for every graduate from an University of Guelph agricultural program, there are four jobs waiting. “It’s got real economic promise and potential” and that’s what the Premier wants to focus on, and why he changed the ministry’s structure, said Flack.

In his new role, Flack said his “first priority is to listen and learn” and is busy lining up meetings with stakeholders throughout the province.

His second priority is to continue to implement and grow the Grow Ontario strategy.

He’ll also be attending the federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers meeting next month.