HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1988-04-20, Page 3Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, April 20, 1988—Page 3
Federation. of Agriculture reviews Grenville
The Grenville Dilemma
By now, probably every farmer in On-
tario has heard of the' "Grenville Resolu-
tion". It is our view that the great debate
which has surrounded this humble piece of
literature, and led to it's eventual destruc-
tion, points out some disturbing features of
farm politics. For the sake of clarity, let us
review the facts.
The Grenvile resolution was passed at
the 1986 Annual Ontario Federation of
Agriculture Convention. It called for a
general vote in all red -meat commodities
to let every plaoducer have their say on the
choice between free -enterprise marketing
and some sort of market intervention.
Several commodity boards protested loud-
ly that the OFA was interfering with what
should be an internal decision. The
strongest opposition came from the On-
tario Pork Producers Marketing Board
who, in so many words told the OFA,
"Mind your own business".
For twelve months the battle raged and
not surprisingly, when OFA delegates met
for their 1987 Annual Convention there
was, on the Agenda, a resolution seeking to
overturn "Grenville". The "Middlesex
resolution" cited as reasons: (1) that
marketing systems had been adequately
debated; (2) that to proceed would tear the
organization apart. After a lengthy and
heated debate this motion was soundly
defeated.
Less than three months later, following
threats from the OPPMB to withhold its
$26,000.00 annual fee, the OFA's Board of
Directors voted to exclude pork from any
further efforts toward a free vote.
First of all, let us say that the position of
the OPPMB executive is completely in-
defensible. If they are so sure that a ma -
The Celebrate in 1988 hats are here, and soon everyone will own one. Lucknow Reunion
chairman Ian Montgomery, along with his lovely model Pat Livingston, shows off the
latest style in party headgear. The Celebrate in 1988 `chapeaus' are available at Mon-
togmery Motors, the Lucknow Sentinel ofice and the Lottery Shoppe for the low, low
price of $4. Get yours today as supplies are limited. (Rob Bundy photo)
All
Remember
"It's Happening Again"
Lucknow & District Lions Club
Gigantic
Rummage Sale
coming to
Lucknow Arena
Saturday, May 21, 1988
proceeds to the Lucknow Sports Complex
FOR PICK UP
North of Main Street - Grant Farrish 528-2904
South of Main Street - Donald MacKinnon 528=3043
Ashfield - Joe Van Osch - 395-2865
West Wawanosh - Steve Owen 528-2170
East Kinloss - Earl Stever 528-5643
West Kinlgss, part of Huron Twp. - Allan MacDougall 395-2786
jority of their members favour the present
marketing system then GET ON WITH
THE VOTE: They will surely be vin-
dicated. Their stubborn resistance to a
free vote, demonstrates that they fear the
grassroots producer may have a different
view. If every producer were given his
say, the results might demand change, and
so the Executive, intent on maintaining the
status quo, have decided to ensure that
every producer does not have his say.
The action of the OFA Board of Direc-
tors who, in effect, have given in to
blackmail, leaves many members ques-
tioning the integrity of our general farm
organization. A major issue of policy,
debated and upheld by two consecutive
conventions, was, iii twenty minutes,
dismantled by 100 or so Directors who
were not even notified ahead of time that
the subject would be raised.
Can a measely $26,000.00 buy the policy
of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture?
Or is it just that we can't stand anything
controversial? One thing is sure, a prece-
dent has been set. From now on every
commodity group, from bee keepers to
beef, will think they can bully the OFA,
and get away with it.
Ironically, both the OFA and the OPP-
MB have failed in maintaining that basic
principle of democratic government: ac-
countability. If farm groups are to N ef-
fective, it must be made clear that the
voice of the rank and file membetr is heard
and acted upon at the highest level.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bruce County Federation
of Agriculture
Public Relations Committee
Crimestoppers of Grey Bruce are seek-
ing the public's assistance in the investiga-
tion of several Break, Enter and Thefts
which took place in the Hope Bay, Cape
Croker area.
The Wiarton Detachment of the Ontario
Provincial Police report that sometime
between Friday, January 29th, and Mon-
day February 1st 1988, approximately
eighteen (18) cottages were broken into.
The cottages are located in the Hope Bay
and Cape Croker Reserve area.
The person( s) responsible used a pry
bar or large screwdriver to gain entry into
the cottages. Snowmobiles were used to
get to and from the cottages broken into.
Articles stolen from the cottages include
stereo equipment, snowmobile clothing, a
.22 calibre rifle, a shot gun, and a quantity
of liquor. It is believed that at least four (4)
persons were responsible.
CRIME.
1.-800-265- 78
Estimated value of articles stolen is ap-
proximately $900. The persons responsible
have not been identified as yet.
If you feel you can help in these o' any
other cases, Crimestoppers of Grey Bruce
are willing to pay a reward up to $1,000 for
information leading to an arrest. Call
CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-265-3787. You
need not identify yourself and all informa-
tion is strictly confidential.
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