Features Fruit Production
Former ag minister receives industry award

January
11, 2012, Niagara Falls, Ont – Former provincial agriculture minister Steve
Peters was recently recognized for his contributions to the Ontario
horticulture sector by being named the recipient of the Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Award of Merit.

January
11, 2012, Niagara Falls, Ont – Former provincial agriculture minister Steve
Peters was recently recognized for his contributions to the Ontario
horticulture sector by being named the recipient of the Ontario Fruit and
Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Award of Merit.

“Steve
is a very deserving winner of this award,” says Art Smith, CEO of the OFVGA.
“During his time as Minister of Agriculture, he was very proactive in helping
to advance our sector in numerous ways, including research and innovation.” 

Peters
was first elected as Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London
in 1999, following three terms as mayor of the city of St. Thomas, Ont. He was
appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food in 2003, and moved to the Labour
portfolio as minister in 2005. Peters served as Ontario’s Speaker of the House
from 2007 to 2011, and decided not to seek re-election last year.

During
his tenure with the agriculture ministry, Peters was instrumental in the
creation of a $17.5 million research and development fund for horticulture
under the CORD IV program. He also launched the now popular spring Taste of
Ontario event held annually at Queen’s Park to showcase Ontario-produced foods.
Throughout his time in government, he was a strong voice for agriculture.
 

“Steve
was a tireless advocate for Ontario agriculture during his time in politics and
we appreciated his ongoing efforts to promote our industry,” says Smith. “He
was a real champion of food, farming and farmers and we wish him well as he
moves to new endeavours.”

The OFVGA Award of Merit is presented annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the fruit and vegetable industry.