GLAVINE URGES NDP GOVERNMENT TO MAKE BEEF INDUSTRY A PRIORITY
Date: Tuesday June 23, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal agriculture critic and Kings West MLA Leo
Glavine is today calling on the new Minister of Agriculture John
MacDonell to immediately begin to address the mounting challenges facing
the province’s beef industry.

“Nova Scotia’s beef farmers must become a priority of the NDP
government,” said Glavine. “I’m urging the minister to reach out
to producers and officials from the industry to create a short term plan
to stabilize the situation our farmers find themselves in.”

The Liberal MLA wants to make certain the Dexter government understands
the importance of Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry and the role it
can play in the province’s economic recovery.

“Farmers aren’t limited to simply growing livestock and healthy
food - they can grow our rural economies right across this province.”

Glavine believes that Nova Scotia’s industry is too small to flourish
on its own, but by working with PEI and New Brunswick, a strong regional
industry can be created for all beef farmers.

“The beef industry is vital to agriculture and economic development
in our province. It’s the one sector where a quality product can be
raised in every county in Nova Scotia.”

“If the industry is to survive, our three provinces must continue to
work together to develop a Maritime industry.”

“Firstly, we have to ensure that our farmers are here again next year
to actually produce local food for Nova Scotians.”

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