Richard J. Brennan — Toronto Star — May 19, 2014

BRANTFORD, ONT.—Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne is hoping that red rubber boots, a few kind words and lots of money will bridge the gap between urban and rural Ontario.

Wynne, who is agriculture minister as well as premier, visited a cattle ‎farm just outside of Brantford Tuesday where she recommitted the $400 million over 10 years contained in the budget to help farmer and the agri-food industry.

Wooing Tory blue areas outside theGTA is a major focus for the mostly urban supported Liberals‎.

“I am here because it is so critical that we understand the importance of the agri-food industry in Ontario,” she told reporters, who had successfully dodged cow patties.

“This is a $34 billion industry. There are thousands of farmers in Ontario . . . every one of them is important to the economy of the province,” she said.

Farmers have been suspicious of Wynne, a Toronto MPP‎, taking on the role of agriculture minister.

Wynne said she has heard time and again in her travels that farmers are concerned “about farmland staying farmland.”

“So another part of our plan is a farms forever plan that would facilitate agriculture easements so farmland can stay as farmland.”  Continue reading and LEAVE A COMMENT here….

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