The Rural Voice, 1978-11, Page 48(NEWSLETTER
Huron County Federation
of Agriculture
Area Office: Vanastra, Box 429, Clinton
Regional Directors' meeting Highlights
Oct. 18, 1978
By Merle Gunby
1 SM Membership Fee Increase
Toronto - The JFA Board of Directors unanimously approved
an ISM membership fee increase to $45.00 for members who
agree to an automatic renewal via. a bank check off, and $50. for
those who wish to pay their membership on an annual basis.
Directors felt the extra $5.00 for the manual renewals was
necessary. to help offset the extra costs in servicing the manual
renewals. The original proposal brought to the meeting by the
OFA executive. asked for a $50. and $55 increase; however,
many directors felt a smaller increase more often was the better
choice. 1975 was the last time the ISM fees were raised. Inflation
was cited as only one reason making the increase in fees
necessary President Peter Hannam outlined seven reasons why
more revenue would be necessary in the coming year.
Why a Fee Increase Now
1. OFA has become highly visible with higher credibility
wlich has increased expectations of and demands on OFA by all
of society, Governments and farmers, which requires a
significiant increase in staff activity. Current work load
pressures are such that several staff members are frustrated
because time does not allow them to do anadequate job in any
area. If OFA is to continue fulfilling its mandate from
farmer -members. some support staff additions are required.
2. Increased committee activity and demands require a
full-time committee secretary.
3. Increased research capability is urgently required
necessitating an additional staff person.
4. An ever-increasing work load on the President. members of
the Executive and Committee members will requireadditional
days of involvement.
5. OFA's accumulated operating deficit. including 1977-78
fiscal year, is approximately $135,000.
6. Based on current fee structure, the maintenance of current
programs will create an approximate deficit in 1978-79 of
$125.000.
7. Desire to increase County Rebate Program.
Many directors suggested that, considering the value of OFA
to the farmers in Out.. $50 was still a bargain. The
recommendation will go before the OFA Annual Meeting in
November.
Automadc Levy Reviewed
The 1977 anuual meeting approved a resolution calling for
OFA to work toward an automatic levy. Vice-president Ralph
Bar rie reported that a committee had taken a hard look at this
proposal and felt the "climate was not right" to proceed in this
direction now.
Canfarm
Peter Hannam reported that CFA and several other prominent
Canadian farm organizations have formed a task force committee
to investigate the feasibility of operating Canfarm in Canada for
Canadian Farmers. Many questions remain to be answered, but
time is important as the Federal gov't wants to make a final
decision by Dec. lst. The Board cl Directors authorized OFA
executive to take any reasonable action they felt necessary to
keep this project viable.
Membership
Staff person. Grant Wallace, reported the OFA began the year
PG. 48 THE RURAL VOICE/NOVEMBER 1978
with 23,261 members and ended with 23,334. 69.92 of these arc
on the automatic renewal program.
Over 50% of the farmers in Huron and Bruce Co. are ISM of
OFA. 34 other counties have increased their membership this
year.
Pollution and Pesticides Committee
Recommendations
1. That there be stepped up emphasis on educational
programs through agricultural colleges, universities and Soil and
Crop Organizations. on recommeded soil management practises.
2. That more research programs concerning soil management
and the use of chemicals fertilizers, herbicides. pesticides, and
drainage practices , be funded under the Wintario, or
Provincial Grant system and co-ordinated by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
3. That monitoring of Testing and Licencing of Pesticides
continue with increased emphasis on the safe use of pesticides
under the Pesticides Control Branch of the Federal Department
of Agriculture.
4. That OFA prepare a brief regarding the use of sewage
sludge for presentation to the appropriate Minister.
Points of Interest
A letter from Dave M.0 r ray, President of Middlesex county was
read to the meeting. He congratulated OFA on its theme
"Commitment" for the 1978 Annual Meeting. Mr. Murray
announced that the directors of Middlesex F of A have pledged 2
days each canvassing for members in the coming year.
Oxford Co, Federation of Agriculture have commissioned a film
about agriculture and land use.
The premiere showing will be at a dinner meeting at Fariview
Centre, Woodstock on Nov. 6. social hour beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Corn Marketing Plan
A committee has been established to prepare the groundwork
for a vote in a Corn Marketing Plan.
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