Tractor Convoy Protest in Simcoe on Tuesday

Monday, 22 March 2021 11:16

By ChrisM

Farmers warn we could face a shortage of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables this year and beyond if immediate action isn't taken, when it comes to having migrant workers.

NORFOLK COUNTY - Farmers are taking their tractors to the streets to protest the Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health Section 22 order tomorrow.

They will be starting at 3503 Highway 3 at 11:00 am and taking the convoy to Governor Simcoe Square for a press conference at noon. Norfolk's farming community is in a state of crisis according to the group known as The Farmers of Ontario's Garden.

They say immediate action needs to be taken if there is interest in saving the 2021 growing season. The main issues in the 3 man per bunkhouse quarantine regulations and the new Federal Government switch testing procedures.

In a press release from Frank Schonberger with the Farmers of Ontario's Garden, he states the new requirements pose serious concerns for farmers who rely on migrant workers.

Those two requirements have made the worker quarantine unmanageable from both the growers

"These two requirements together have made the worker quarantine unmanageable from both the growers’ and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s standpoint. The recently imposed Letter of Instruction pursuant to regulations in force by Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health under the Reopening Ontario Act were sent to area producers in an email on Sunday evening, March 14, 2021 and effective 12:01 as of midnight March 15, 2021.Re: Safe Travel Instructions from the HNHU for TFW from the Airport regarding the transportation of Temporary Foreign Workers from the Pearson International Airport, stating that employers of temporary foreign workers were on their own as far as getting the workers to their places of quarantine, limiting the number of workers who may travel together to quarantine cohorts. No regard is being given to the fact that the workers previously travelled from their home countries in a plane together. In comparison, again, this is different from every other health jurisdiction in Ontario and, in fact, Canada."

The group warns that unless immediate solutions are developed and taken in the coming days and weeks, we could face a shortage of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables in 2021 and beyond.

UPDATE: The press conference will now be taking place at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds instead of Governor Simcoe Square.