Former Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is leaving politics for good.

Foothills MP John Barlow says Ritz will definitely be missed.

Barlow says Ritz has been a phenomenal Member of Parliament, representing his constituents from Saskatchewan in Ottawa and worked hard on the Canada European Free Trade agreement.
 
"He was such a champion for Canadian agriculture, was able to achieve so many incredible things for that sector, for that. Canadian farmers from across the country are certainly sad to see him go, but certainly they'll give him a warm round of applause as he exits to retirement," Barlow says.

He says Ritz made his mark early on by eliminating the Canadian Wheat Board and dealing with the BSE crisis as well as opening numerous export markets.

Barlow says Ritz was a mentor to him and says he was always willing to pick up the phone and answer any questions he had.

Ritz and Barlow stopped in High River in April to talk internal trade issues with agriculture producers from around the local area.