Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson joined MPP’s from around the province in attending the official opening of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Kemptville, Ontario. The IPM is the largest festival of its kind in North America. Tourism industry officials say the economic impact of the event is approximately $25 million annually.
The five-day event features plowing competitions and many special events and opportunities to learn about agriculture and life in rural Ontario.
The IPM provides a unique opportunity to meet with generations of farmers. “The IPM really is a multi-generational event with high school students in attendance as members of the 4-H Club, along with their parents and often with their grandparents.” said MPP Saunderson.
The Municipalities of Amaranth and Grand Valley will host next year’s event from September 19th to 23rd, 2023. “I encourage everyone to come out and visit next year’s event as well since it will be held right in our own back yard and since farming is such an important way of life for so many residents of Simcoe-Grey” said MPP Saunderson.
The Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (top left) spoke to the audience at the official opening of the IPM.
This year marked the 103rd anniversary of the International Plowing Match. “One in ten jobs is related to the agricultural sector, highlighting the critical importance of the agricultural sector to Ontario and to Simcoe-Grey, where farming plays such an important role in our local economy and day-to-day activities” said MPP Saunderson.
