Randy Pettapiece is strongly supporting a plan to give farmers a tax credit when they donate products to local food banks.
“This idea would help bring fresh, local food to people who are struggling,” said Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington.
“I’ve met with many of our local food banks across Perth-Wellington, and I know they are compassionate and dedicated. We should all support them.”
On July 10, the Progressive Conservative caucus proposed amending the government’s Local Food Act to grant a non-refundable tax credit worth 25 percent of the wholesale value to farmers who donate excess agricultural products to food banks.
“Perth-Wellington is the heart of agriculture in Ontario,” said Pettapiece.
“Many local farmers are already donating food, but this tax credit would allow many more to help out.”
According to a press release from Pettapiece, Ontario farmers annually dispose of or plough back into their fields more than 25 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food.
The food is healthy but, for cosmetic reasons such as size, shape or colour, is not chosen for sale by grocers. Many farmers cannot afford the additional costs of collecting, processing and delivering unsold produce to local food banks, despite the agriculture industry’s will to do so.
As the PC deputy critic for agriculture, Pettapiece has long made local food a priority. In May, he hosted a local food roundtable where participants discussed the tax credit idea.
Participants also discussed the government’s Local Food Act, which Pettapiece believes is too vague as it is now written.
“We need a bill that will make a difference by addressing farmers’ concerns and, at the same time, improving distribution,” said Pettapiece.
“The tax credit proposal would make a big difference, and I strongly urge the other parties to support it.”
