Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Committee nixes fruit wine bill

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

image

by SUSAN MANN

An Ontario government committee today defeated a private member’s bill to allow fruit wineries to sell their products at farmers’ markets.

Conservative MPP Bob Runciman, who represents Leeds-Grenville, says the five Liberals on the Legislature’s regulations and private bills committee voted against each clause of the proposed bill during a review. “They didn’t explain why. They didn’t even really speak to it. They just voted against it.”

The committee also has two Conservative and one NDP member.

Runciman, who proposed the bill, says the Liberals sent their chief whip to the committee to ensure the bill was killed. The chief whip isn’t normally on the committee.

Liberal Chief Whip Mike Colle wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Bert Andrews, spokesman for Fruit Wines of Ontario, says he’s trying to figure out why the bill was defeated. “They had no reason for turning this down.”

Andrews says those who have been pushing for the legislation don’t have any other options now for introducing fruit wine sales at farmers markets. “As far as I can see, it’s just going to die for now. It’s ridiculous, quite frankly.”

Runciman says he doesn’t have any plans to introduce another bill. “I don’t think there’s any point.” BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario crops face mixed spring conditions

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Field Crop News, variable spring weather has created mixed crop conditions across the province. Rain, wind, and cool nighttime temperatures have delayed planting, slowed growth, and limited spraying windows for corn, soybeans, and... Read this article online

Health Canada sets rules for drone spraying

Monday, June 16, 2025

Health Canada has approved the use of drones, also called Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), for pesticide application under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). Drones are considered aircraft by Transport Canada, but Health Canada treats them differently due to their unique... Read this article online

Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week veterinary prize awarded

Saturday, June 14, 2025

has been a mainstay for the agricultural industry in Grey and Bruce Counties since 1966. While things have evolved over the years, the mandate to provide information to producers and agribusiness has remained firm. Seventeen years ago, the event committee created an annual $1,000 ... Read this article online

Canada Grows Hope Abroad

Friday, June 13, 2025

Toronto-based indoor farming company transforms food access in Moldova with first-of-its-kind humanitarian hydroponic project A new Canadian-led indoor farming project is changing lives in Moldova. Built by Just Vertical in partnership with GlobalMedic, the hydroponic farm is the first... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top