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WATCH: Province announces more risk management funding for farmers

Today's COVID-19 briefing will take place at a farm in Chatham

Update Two:

Doning a new haircut, Premier Doug Ford announced today that the Ontario government is expanding the Risk Management Program a year earlier than planned by $50 million for a total of $150 million annually.

In a press release issued today, the government said that this funding supports farmers with unforeseen challenges such as fluctuating market prices, extreme weather events like flooding or drought, and disease.

Approximately 80 per cent of eligible commercial production in the cattle, hog, sheep, veal, grains and oilseeds, and edible horticulture sectors in Ontario is covered by the provincial Risk Management Program.

The increased investment in the Risk Management Program is in addition to a $15 million Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program.

Farmers and other operations have access to cost-share funding to help enhance health and safety measures for employees, such as purchasing personal protective equipment, medical testing equipment, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and temporary or permanent modifications to enhance physical distancing.

Support is also available for farmers who experience unexpected costs for housing and transportation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak on their farm.

Update One:

Premier Doug Ford's announcement has been delayed until 3:30 p.m.

Original story:

Premier Doug Ford is slated to provide a COVID-19 announcement at 1:00 p.m. today.

This comes as part of his eight-week province-wide summer tour.

Today's COVID-19 briefing will take place at Craven Farms in Chatham.

The premier will be joined by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, for the press conference.

Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.