Close to 500 Islanders gathered in front of the legislature building last Thursday to show their concern over the crisis in agriculture and the erosion of rural PEI .
Dr Gary Morgan one of the members of the May Day committee formed to organize this awareness campaign about an industry is in peril, was overwhelmed by the show of support. He wondered how large the crowd would have been if the weather had cooperated.
“There’s a lot of talk about this,” Dr Morgan commented.
The May Day group met at the first of the week to discuss its role in follow-up events. “We are becoming a beacon for people wanting to do things to make a change,” he said, adding that they don’t want to impede other organizations and individuals from doing something too. The May Day gathering was sponsored by the West Prince Chamber of Commerce.
On the day of the rally, the Provincial Government announced the formation of a commission to look into long term planning for the industry, an effort to make it sustainable and prosperous in the future.
“It is probably a worthy thing to do,” Dr Morgan said, but he felt they missed the mark by ignoring the immediate need.
“The rescue is a critical thing, “ he said. There are farmers who will not be planting crops this spring and people who will be leaving the livestock industry because they have no other choice. The banks will be making that decision for them.
Dr Morgan said the topic must be kept at the forefront by providing information to consumers that is relevant to the issue.
“Rescue and vision were our goals. We have the vision coming (the commission) but there doesn’t seem to be a willingness to rescue or capability to rescue or it is not happening for whatever reason,” he said. “There were no answers at the rally. Government announced the commission but there was no rescue.
“I would think that letting their elected officials know how important it is to have our farmers protected and that if it takes money they should find it.”
People need to change their shopping habits by becoming aware of where their food is coming from. If local produce and meats are not available they must be prepared to use their power as consumers and chose not to shop at a place that doesn’t support local farmers.
“It’s about quality, safety and availability,” he said, adding that this could be lost if the industry dies on PEI.
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