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The Rural Voice, 1978-02, Page 13The Voice of A Farmer by Adrian Vos Agriculture in Canada is responsible for approximately 40 percent of all jobs. It follows then, that if agriculture suffers, the whole economy suffers with it. This is nothing new. Even in the time when a farmer could only feed himself, his family and one other family, the prosperity of the country was dependent on the good farming years. All economically successful countries, through the centuries, have supported their farmers. The feudal lords defended the serfs in their domain. If they didn't. their food had to come from elsewhere and they had often to go to war in order to obtain food or goods to buy food. These War lords could only exist as long as they were strong militarily. Ancient Rome found this out when it was too late for them. When they began neglecting agriculture, depending on conquest. it signalled the beginning of their down -fall. Invariable they took more than they needed from their conquered lands. in order to let their own people become more urbanized. When bad weather and reversals in war fortunes curtailed the food supply, they didn't have the experienced farmers to make up for the shortfall. Their accumulated riches were used for the payment of inflated food prices and the decline of the empire became inevitable. Throughout all history, until the present day, this has never changed. Look at a modern country that supports the farmer and you are looking at a wealthy country and vice -versa. The European Economic Community has recognized from the beginning that agriculture is essential, and has protected their agriculture jealously. Much of their food could be imported cheaper than they can produce it. But they know that as soon as they are dependent on imports, the price of that food item will go up until the price is higher than at present. In addition the lost jobs would be a heavy burden on the rest of society. Canadians. from government down to daily newspapers would do v. ell to take a good look at history and absorb the lesson. If our academics continue their attacks of the farmer's sales office, the marketing board. and if they should succeed in reducing agricultural income even more. it would undoubtedly impoverish all of Canada. The marketing board concept is sound, but because it sometimes constitutes a monopoly. it must be handled with the utmost care and discretion. For that very reason, our governments have appointed overseeing bodics such as the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Board and the Canadian Farm Product Marketing Council. On each of these bodies is at least one appointee of a consumers organization. to make sure that the interest of our customers is safe -guarded. Our Ontario marketing boards must submit all the minutes of their meetings to those overseeing boards for scrutiny. It is remarkable that the consumer appointees. who are usually past presidents of their organizations have much less criticism of marketing boards after a year of looking at their activities. It is a pity that consumer organizations are not demanding that their presidents have at least a year of duty on the overseeing boards before being eligible to become president. 0 ALEXANDER AND CHAPMAN REALTY LIMITED 8 THE SQUARE GODERICH, ONTARIO BEEF FARM 245 acre beef farm. 225 acres workable - balance good hardwood bush. Good land mostly tile drained. 2 barns. Capacity 200 cattle. 3 bunker silos. Good 2 storey house with oil furnace. Excellent location on Hwy. 86 - 1 mile from Lucknow. Owner will consider taking back first mortgage. ********** PHONE 524-9662 524-6542 FARM Dairy, beef, or cash crop. 260 acres. Located 5 miles west of Teeswater. Two good barns with silos. Automatic feeding. Modern 1'/2 storey 3 bedroom house with hot water heating. Good Harriston clay loam. ********** CAGE LAYING OPERATION Basic quota 21,696. Completely automated barn including vacuum lift for crating. 50 acres in the Chatham area of high production land. Also a sow barn 34 x 110. Excellent newly renovated 3 to 4 bedroom house. ********** GROCERY & VARIETY For sale - or lease. Excellent opportunity in Vanastra for your own business in Retail Grocery and Variety. Immediate possession. Fully equipped. Also suitable for other commercial lines or industry. SEE - KEN THOMPSON ALEXANDER & CHAPMAN REALTY LIMITED We are in the market for: Nt6io ¥$UX lW(�tk 4 &a14&cy PHONE US FOR PRICES OPNOTCH TOPNOTCH FEEDS LIMITED Phone 527-1910 Seaforth THE RURAL VOICE/FEBRUARY 1978, PG. 13.