The Rural Voice, 1982-03, Page 19•
Soyabean producers can get
a premium
The program initiated by the Ontario
Soyabeans Marketing Board (OSBMB) for
the production and export of edible beans,
has been a huge success through the ten
years of its existence.
Don Lumley, OSBMB chairman. told a
sparsely attended meeting in Huron
County that in that time Ontario growers
have received approximately a million
dollars in premiums alone.
He said negotiations with dealers are
difficult and that the board and dealers
haven't been able to agree on the price for
1982 beans. This centers on moisture
content and dealers' charges. Since the
dealer charges haven't been changed in
three years the board agreed to an
increase of two cents a bushel.
The dispute will now go before the
arbitration committee.
Lumley said there is a hopeful
development in new plant varieties. One
test plot at the Harrow research station
yielded seventy-one bushels on test. He
price
warned that a test plot is different from
accepted field practices, but that yield is
still considerably more than previous
tests.
The Board advanced cash to growers in
the amount of $135 million.
As good export beans return a premium
of 75c/bushel, Lumley plans to have
another food mission to Southeast Asia .
The toll-free number of the board
(1-800-265-5291) is one of its most used
services. Over 177,000 calls for pricing
information were made during the year.
The board is working with the Ontario
wheat and white bean boards of the
Ontario government to bring in legislation
for better protection for farmers who store
their product at elevators. At present, he
said, there are two Targe elevators in
receivership and that is a worry to the
boards.
A great amount of soyabeans and their
products are imported into Canada beans
that could be produced here, Lumley said.
But much more money is needed for
research and development into more early
and more late varieties.
He objected strongly to Ontario ag
minister Lorne Henderson's decision to
grant millions of dollars to Canada
Packers for a Canola crushing plant in
Ontario.
The board is seeking a change in the
legislation to allow for a broadening of the
marketing plan. At present the board has
the power to buy beans as an agency. but
not the means of doing it. The requested
amendment would cure that. The board
will also be able to set prices if the
amendment is approved. Lumley
hastened to say that the board at present
has no intention of implementing these
changes, but he feels the alternatives
should be available.
The board also needs the power of
pooling. The idea here is that if a group of
neighbours want to get together and sell
directly to a crusher a larger amount than
they possess individually, the board can
then do the pooling on their behalf.
However, the board wouldn't act as agent
and buy the beans. They would hire a
broker to act for the group of farmers.
However, since there is much re-
sistance in Kent and Essex counties to
agency selling, the board would not use
this power unless it is approved by a
producers' vote.
Look to the Future
CONSIDER CENTRALIA COLLEGE OF
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY
Ministr y of
Agriculture
and Food
TWO YEAR DIPLOMA PROGRAMS FOR YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER
No matter whether you will be
helping to run the family farm,
aiming to make a career in farm
management or entering the busy
world of agri-business, you will reap
the benefits of a sound education
throughout your life.
• two year diploma courses
• residence living
• good recreation facilities
• co-educational atmosphere
• excellent agricultural location
• a focal point for research; notably
white beans
• Agricultural Business
Mangement
• Food Service Management
• Consumer and Community Studies
• Animal Health Technology
These educational programs are financed through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and
Food. You are eligible to enroll i f you qualify for the Secondary School Graduation Diploma
or its equivalent.
Write or Phone now - for brochures or applications
Centralia College of Agricultural Technology
Huron Park, Ontario NOM 1Y0 (519)228-6691
THE RURAL VOICE/MARCH 1982 PG. 17