The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is an Ontario government ministry responsible for the food, agriculture and rural sectors of the Canadian province of Ontario. The Minister is currently Lisa Thompson. The Ministry helps to build a stronger agri-food sector by investing in the development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, providing regulatory oversight, and providing effective risk management tools. Ministry mandate The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs works to advance government efforts to promote a competitive and productive agri-food sector and to provide economic growth and opportunities in rural Ontario. The mandate of the Ministry is set by the Premier of Ontario and conveyed to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through a mandate letter. The mandate letter for 2014-2015 contains the following priorities: Supporting the growth of the agri-food sector Ensuring sustainability of agriculture Providing business supports to farmers Expanding agriculture in the north Fostering vibrant rural economies Foodland Ontario Foodland Ontario, founded in 1977, is a consumer promotion program for the government of Ontario. Foodland Ontario currently falls under the administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs in Ontario. Through market research, advertising campaigns, working with local farmers and reaching out to retail locations, Foodland Ontario's mission is to "spread the word about the great taste, nutrition and economic benefits of buying Ontario food to all people in Ontario". According to the Ministry, Foodland Ontario commercials such as the "Good things grow in Ontario" campaign reach more than 90% of the target audience including television, radio, billboard and print media campaigns. Food retailers such as grocery stores and farmer's markets display the logo to promote Ontario foods and capture niche markets for products such as health food. In 2011-12, over 700,000 copies of Foodland calendars and 250,000 copies of two Foodland cookbooks were distributed across the province. Ministry agencies The Ministry is responsible for the following agencies: Agricorp Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal Board of Negotiation Business Risk Management Review Committee Canadian National Exhibition Association Council of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario Grain Financial Protection Board Livestock Financial Protection Board Livestock Medicines Advisory Committee Normal Farm Practices Protection Board Ontario Agristability Review Committee Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission Ontario Food Terminal Board Rural Economic Development Advisory Panel Organization history Prior to confederation, the Bureau