The Rural Voice, 1981-05, Page 10proposal caused some rejoicing. OFA
lawyer Johannes Jarvalt. while caution-
ing against complacency. said he was
extremely pleased with the decision.
"1'm awfully glad they ruled against
it," replied Gerry Fortune. president of
the Huron Federation of Agriculture.
"but 1 don't suppose that's the end of it."
With Crang's plan to appeal the ruling
to the provincial cabinet. which can ask
for another OMB hearing or decide the
issue itself. the question is far from
settled.
For some, the resounding victory of the
Progressive Conservatives in the March
provincial election is a source of discom-
fort. "Now, with a majority government,
they can bulldoze that (the proposed
zoning change allowing the agrominium)
through as quickly as possible." worried
Huron -Middlesex MPP Jack Riddell,
agriculture critic for the Liberals in thc
last legislature. and a farm owner in
Stephen township. "It's a political deci-
sion. It certainly won't be in the interests
Those worries may be tempered some-
what with the election of a Conservative
in West Gwillimbury in March. "We
should at least admit our local MPP.
George Taylor, has spoken out against
it." Jones acknowledged. "George has
been very responsive to agriculture's
concerns." It remains to be seen what
influence Taylor can exert on caucus
colleagues on behalf of the rural interests
in the riding should the cabinet consider
supporting the appeal.
But while the wording of the OMB
ruling creates a situation which could
become awkward for the provincial
government if it accepts Crang's appeal.
Jones will continue to rely on calculated
pessimism. "There's strong indication
that there is political support for this
thing (agrominium)." he noted. "It was
mentioned to (minister of agriculture)
Lorne Henderson and he seemed im-
pressed that this proposal had been
scaled down.
"We've also raised the issue with
ning at 18.5 per cent and higher led the
Ontario Federation of Agriculture to
predict as many as one in four beef and
pork producers could be forced out of
business if they fail to get government
assistance.
Together. a sagging economy and
steady increases in foreign ownership ( a
recent report from the Rural Develop-
ment Outreach Program at the University
of Guelph noted "the average rate of net
annual increase in this category (foreign
ownership) has been nearly 1.100 acres
per year.") drives home to farmers the
uncertainty of their future. The possibil-
ity of agrominiums intensifies concern.
Crang, understandably, has an entirely
different impression of what agromin-
iums could provide. "I still have strong
feelings about the project. To my
knowledge it's at least a, start at the
preservation of agricultural land without
costing the taxpayer. It also works at
breaking down the barriers between
urban and rural residents." A further
The first agrominium would have 25 horses, 40 pigs,
20 steers , 600 capons, a fishpond, a greenhouse and a recreation area.
of the people of Ontario or of agriculture.
The OFA's Jones agrees. "I'm con-
cerned, 1 have to admit that. I'm not sure
a majority government would be as
sensitive as they might have been before.
Then the opposition would have had a hey
day.
"Needless to say though, we're quite
pleased with the decision and in particu-
lar because it makes reference to the
Ontario Food Lands guidelines as being
government policy. Cabinet approved the
food lands guidelines, so if they overturn
the ruling they will be in for a great deal
of criticism. I can't see on what grounds
the government could consider support-
ing an appeal."
Crang, however, feels Jones and the
OMB place too much emphasis on the
guidelines. and he sees no conflict in the
government supporting his appeal. "At
the hearing it was shown that the
agrominium concept is in line with the
agricultural code of practice. In my
opinion Ron (Jones) has not correctly
judged the food lands guidelines, which
is not legislation. It is to assist in
planning projects; it is not rigid."
Jones says "it isn't over even if he is
refused an appeal. I'm sure the residents
of West Gwillimbury thought it was over
once two years ago. I'm really concerned
for those people. They'll be constantly
looking back over their shoulders."
PG. 8 THE RURAL VOICE/MAY 1981
Claude Bennett, minister of housing,
concerning people funding the legal
consultation in this thing. and he seemed
unimpressed with their plight. What we
have to recognize here. too. is the people
surrounding that area paid for the OMB
hearing. The last one cost S6000. It costs
Crang too. but he has the resources."
The ruling on the zoning appeal
provides a glimmer of light in what is
otherwise deepening concern in the
farming community about the cloudy
future of the family farm. starting up
problems faced by young farmers. and
the sale of land to foreign interests at
prices beyond what Ontario farmers say
they can afford.
Last fall foreign land speculators
toured several townships in Huron
County viewing property selling for as
much as $2400 per acre. The action so
angered the Huron Federation of Agricul-
ture it prepared a resolution calling for
the resignation of agriculture minister
Henderson. In spite of farm organiza-
tions' continuous battle, the province still
has some of the weakest land ownership
legislation in the country.
Then, early in April. reports from thc
bankrupty office of the ministry of
consumer and commercial relations il-
lustrated a steady increase in farm
bankruptcies in southern Ontairo. An
ailing economy with interest rates run-
benetit, he adds is that several agromin-
ium investors could more easily bear
losses of a single year. losses which
might force a single farmer out of
business. "Certainly if an individual can
hang in there, 29 people can."
In his original proposal in the mid -70's.
which featured the 150 units. Crang
outlined the model agrominium opera-
tion. It would have included 390 acres of
cash crops, a horse barn for 25 animals. a
piggery for 40 pigs. a beef feedlot for
about 20 steers. a chicken roost with
about 600 capons. a stocked fishpond and
a fully equipped greenhouse along with a
recreational area.
Under the Crang plan. owners of the
condominiums would hold a share in the
farming operation. but they would not be
actively involved. The farm would be
overseen by a farm manager. with wide
experience and education in farming.
assisted by a staff experienced in
agriculture. The farm workers. described
as a management company. would report
monthly to the farm committee. which
would consist of at least three ntcntbcrs
appointed by Devon • Downs directors
from among the condominium owners.
But although the hierarchy of the
agrominium and its operation is neatly
set out by Crang. agricultural interests
are not convinced it's the ideal cure for
what ails the industry. According to