Hudak Fighting For Famers

A multi-pronged plan of action for Niagara's fruit and grape growers !

On Friday, Niagara West-Glanbrook M-P-P Tim Hudak laid out a report on the past, present and future of Niagara's agriculture sector. Hudak's "Where Do We Grow From Here: A Way Forward for Niagara's Tender Fruit and Grape Growers" report, identifies current challenges and remedies. Hudak tells CKTB News he put it together after speaking with local farms and wineries.

 Hudak recommends a "Buy Ontario" policy for any program or facility that receives government funding. He would also like to see L-C-B-O boost V-Q-A product sales and a parallel private retailer of V-Q-A wines. Also, Hudak wants a replant program to give vineyards and orchards a new lease on life.

 And while Niagara-on-the-Lake is equipped with an irrigation system, Hudak points out West Niagara does not. He feels any future infrastructure plan, must include irrigation as a priority.

 Chair of the Ontario Tenderfruit Producers Marketing Board Len Troup welcomes the positivity of Hudak's report. Troup says Hudak has made it clear, growers cannot lament what they have lost, only offer options for change in the future.