More Island hay will be heading to Western farmers in need following an initiative announced today.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works, in partnership with the PEI Road Builder's Association, are lending their support to the Hay West campaign in aid of western farmers battling drought. The support will take the form of several heavy vehicles and staff made available for transporting Island hay to Moncton for shipping to its eventual destination.
"Islanders have a proud tradition of helping those in need, and this effort by Island farmers and businesses is just another example of that. We're happy that by partnering with the Road Builder's we can help make a difference," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea in announcing the initiative.
Since calls for assistance went out earlier this year, Island farmers have overwhelmingly risen to the challenge by donating approximately 1,200 bales of hay for shipping to drought-stricken Prairie farmers, creating the need for more rail cars to be secured for transportation. Now that extra rail cars have been secured, the challenge is to transport the pledged hay to Moncton for shipping.
"Our members are very community minded, so naturally we also wanted to lend a hand to the Hay West campaign if possible. I'm pleased that we are able to partner with the province and others to help support this important relief effort," said Steve Matheson, President of the PEI Road Builder's Association.
In total, four heavy vehicles are being made available to transport Island hay to Moncton for shipping. Vehicles will be picking up loads of hay from Island farms for transportation to Moncton today. In addition to the Department of Transportation and Public Works, participating companies include Island Construction, Curran & Briggs Ltd., and Island Coastal Services.
"The response to the Hay West campaign from farmers, businesses, and ordinary Islanders has just been incredible," said Joe McCarthy of Cavendish Agri-Services, who are assisting in organizing the Hay West campaign. "We welcome this latest pledge of support which will help us get the Island hay so generously donated to those western farmers in need."