The Rural Voice, 1980-10, Page 49y
FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
BOX 429 CLINTON, ONTARIO NOM 1L0
TELEPHONE (519) 482-9642
NE WSLE TTER
OFA Directors' Meeting,
Toronto
Harry Pattinson, Executive member, reported on a very
successful trip to the New Liskeard area. He and First
Vice -President Ron White spent four days travelling with
farmers -signing new members and creating interest in a more
active Federation in this northern area of the province. Since the
trip, New Liskeard membership has grown from Tess than 30 to
over 100.
Harry described the "pioneer spirit" that prevails among the
young farmers establishing themselves around New Liskeard.
He said the large and numerous dairy herds are impressive, and
indicated that the area has great potential for farming.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letters read by Jack Hale, General Manager, included two
from the Minister of Finance. Allan MacEachern. The first dealt
with OFA's belief that banks' prime lending rates are too high in
relation to treasury bill rates. The Minister replied that
competition among banks ensures that their lending rates
remain as low as possible. Second. the Minister noted OFA's
1
KEEP THIS DATE OPEN!
Huron Federation
Annual Meeting
and Banquet
October 23,
1980
Brussels Arena
Guest Speaker -
Gordon McMurchy
Saskatchewan
Minister of Agriculture
PG. 48 THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1980
concern about the possible loss of the indexing provision in the
income tax system, but said no final decisions have been made.
The Ontario Grain Dealers Association will be discussing our
concerns about standards and inspection for grain moisture
testers, according to Frank Drea, Minister of Consumer and
Commercial Relations. James Auld, Minister of Natural
Resources, suggested OFA and his ministry meet to explore the
idea of landowner compensation where property is set aside as
aquatic habitat. Margaret Birch, Provincial Secretary for Social
Development said OFA's concern about discrepancies in wages
paid to Agricrews will be considered when the program is
reviewed.
NEW GROUP MEMBERS
Next, the board was asked to approve the Cedar Springs
Cherry Growers Co -Operative as a new member. The
Co-operative, located in Blenheim, handles cherries, apples,
peppers and other crops. Lynn Girty, OFA Director for Kent
Southeast, explained that the Cherry Growers' Co -Operative has
become involved in the export market, and is finding it difficult
to untangle the maze of trade regulations on its own.
The Board agreed to the Co-operative's membership in the
OFA with little discussion, and accepted Lynn as the
Co-operative's representative on the board.
CFA SEMI—ANNUAL MEETING
Ron White and Frank Wall, 1st and 2nd Vice -Presidents,
gave brief reports of the semi-annual Canadian Federation of
Agriculture meeting in Edmonton. Some a of the most important
topics to Ontario agriculture were: -Plant Breeders' Rights
legislation, which the CFA feels is acceptable but needs firm
regulations attached to it.
-Farm Credit Corporation: Ontario will have a $20 million
shortfall for 1980 compared to 1979. More funds are needed
immediately especially for young farmers.
-Energy-CFA stressed the need to lessen our reliance on
petroleum fuels. and calledjgi government leadership. But a
recommendation for higher fuel prices was not accepted.
-Other subjects were grain transportation rates, 'possibility of
lower world food stocks, a Farm Women's Conference in Ottawa,
Dec. 2-4, development of the Agricultural Export -Corporation,
changes to the Bank Act, and an increase in OFA fees to the CFA
from $95,600 to 5100,400.
INCOME AVERAGING PROPOSAL
President Ralph Barrie then introduced Graeme Hedly,
General -Manager of the Ontario Cattlemen's Association.
Graeme was asked to explain a proposal of the Canadian
Cattlemen's Association for an Income Averaging Trust Account,
which came in for heated discussion by the OFA Board at the
July meeting. The proposal would allow farmers to deposit
money in a special account during good years and withdraw it
during poor ones. The money would be protected from tax until it
was withdrawn.
Graeme told the meeting the plan would help create more
stability in individual farming operations, and could be a
valuable tax management tool. It is not intended to replace other
measures such as stabilization or supply management. Beef
producers would benefit from the plan, but any farmer could use
it.
Questions from the floor brought to light several loopholes in
(cont. on page 47)