McGuinty Government Supports Agri-Food Innovation

Outlook Conference Explores Opportunities for The Agri-Food Sector

Queen's Park - The Ontario government is hosting a conference that will look at how innovation in Ontario's agriculture and food industry can create more opportunities for farmers and rural communities and lead to better health for Ontarians, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Leona Dombrowsky announced today.

"Innovation is key to transforming Ontario's agri-food industry, benefiting both farmers and society," said Dombrowsky. "This conference will help create new opportunities for Ontario farmers, by contributing to new markets and ideas for value-added foods, bio-products and bio-energy."

The two-day conference, hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, offers an exciting line-up of international keynote speakers and interactive panel discussions. Farm leaders, food industry executives, scientists, and government officials from Ontario and other jurisdictions will have a forum to share their perspectives for innovation in the sector.

The Outlook Conference is another step in the McGuinty government's plan to help create new opportunities for the province's agriculture and food industry. Other government initiatives include:

• Recognizing innovation in the province's agriculture sector by creating the five-year, $2.5-million Premier's Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
• Helping to fund 17 new projects under the Alternative Renewable Fuels Fund and the Life Sciences Agri-Food Innovation Fund
• Investing $520 million in the Ontario Ethanol Growth Fund to expand ethanol production in Ontario.

The conference will be held November 8 and 9 at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto. Details are available at www.outlook2006.ca.

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Contact:
Christopher Flavelle
Minister's Office
(416) 326-3072

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198