Ontario government sending trade mission to Japan, South Korea in October

VERNER, Ont. – Ontario is sending a trade delegation to South Korea and Japan next month.

Premier Doug Ford says the goal is to open new markets for Ontario farmers.

Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman will lead the mission from Oct. 12 to 24.

Ford made the announcement at Ontario’s annual International Plowing Match that got underway today in Verner, Ont., about 55 kilometres west of North Bay.

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Ford told participants that his government won’t be “bullied by other countries” and will stand up for Ontario farmers.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Green party Leader Mike Schreiner are also taking part in the match’s kickoff parade.

The plowing match sees party leaders drive tractors and compete to plow a straight furrow.

The legislature usually shuts down for the day so that politicians can attend, but this year legislators are on an extended break and won’t be back in session until Oct. 28.

WATCH: Ontario politicians attend International Plowing Match in Chatham-Kent (Sept 18, 2018)

1:51 Ontario politicians attend International Plowing Match in Chatham-Kent