Following up on commitments made in Budget 2006, our government has announced an innovative new program to help lower-income farm families. The Canadian Farm Families Options Program (Options) will provide short-term income support while helping farm families explore options to raise their income for the future.

Options is open to farm families or individual farmers who have a total income of less than $25,000 or less than $15,000 respectively, in all provinces and territories. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2006. Payments will be made to farmers this fall. Options is a pilot program, with a federal commitment of $550 million over two years. This program also offers additional business and technical assistance for which the federal government is covering the cost.  

Application forms and full program details are now available on the program Web site www.agr.gc.ca/options or by calling toll free 1-866-367-8506. 

This program announcement is another step in the process of helping the agricultural community, not only here in Wellington-Halton Hills but all across this country.

I would like to remind everyone to support our agricultural community. Remember to, when possible, shop Canadian, shop Ontario and shop locally.  When we put local food on our tables, everyone benefits. Not only do we get the freshest best tasting food to be eaten with pride, our local farms and food producers flourish. I would also like to remind everyone to support our local Fall Fairs. Over the coming weeks there will be Fall Fairs organized by the agricultural societies all over the region.  They are educational and fun. I hope to see you there.

If you require additional information about the Options Program or if you need any other assistance the constituency offices will be pleased to assist you. 

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Please contact me at 1-866-878-5556 or chongm@parl.gc.ca  

The Hon. Michael Chong, M.P. Wellington Halton-Hills