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Hardeman Talks Food Supply Chain and Migrant Workers

Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs says we have a very robust food chain.

Ernie Hardeman says he has been meeting with industry stakeholders to make sure the system is working in Niagara and beyond. 

He says we shouldn’t have a food shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We're still producing as much food as we’ve had in the past and we don’t have more consumers. If we purchase in the same pattern that we’ve had in the past, we will have no shortage and we’ll be able to weather the storm as far as food is concerned.” 

Some people have also been worried about migrant workers coming to work in Niagara during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hardeman says they are essential. 

“The horticulture sector is almost totally dependent on workers that come from out-of-country. If they don’t come, we’ll see the vast majority of our horticulture not being able to be planted and harvested.” 

Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Betty Disero says local farmers will be working with all levels of government and Public Health to make sure there is no potential COVID-19 spread. 

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