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The Rural Voice, 1982-09, Page 26ray G 0. N. ENTERPRISES L.Ifoal L CUSTOM SILK SCREENING • T -Shirts • Caps • Sportswear • Trophies • Crests • Flag, • Farm Signs Gordon Kaster G. D. K. Enterprises Wroxeter Bus. 335-3136 Res. 335-3671 CFFO: Agri -food Strategy rejected FARM NEWS The federal governments proposed agri-food strategy: Challenge for Growth has been rejected by the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO does not share the optimism of the federal government's strategy according to a major policy paper adopted by the Federation's Provincial Board at its June meeting in Milton, Ontario. "The primary failing of the agri-food strategy paper is its forecast of a future that is neither desirable nor attainable," the statement says. The federal strategy forecasts that Canada can increase agri-food production by two-thirds and double the current dollar value by the turn of the century. The CFFO disagrees. The farm group forecasts that increases in production will be very expensive and that even present production levels may be hard to maintain. The statement also disagrees with the governments optimistic view of the growing export markets for food. The Federation urges that exports should only be encouraged for commodi- ties in which Ontario has gained internal stability. "import replacement is a far more important opportunity, if we seek growth for Ontario's agriculture," the statement says. Four reasons are given for the caution about exports. Exporting means importing the instab- ility of the world economy. Today's agricultural structure based on very narrow margins over input costs is less able to buffer instability. Internal market stability is essential for producers to be able to accept the additional risks of the world market. Instability in the export market is increasing. The slide in the value of the Canadian dollar is cited as an example. INTERNA11ONAL PLNG MATH AND FARM MACHINERY SHOW SEPT. 28 -OCT 2, 1982 PLOWING COMPETITIONS EXHIBITS & PARADES LADIES' PROGRAM SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE LUCAN • MIDDLESEX COUNTY For additional information please contact Secretary Manager, Ontario Plowmen's Association Ministry of Agriculture and Food Parliament Buildings Toronto, Ontario M7A 2B2 (416) 965-1091 Secretary Middlesex County Local Committee Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food 195 Dufferin Avenue, 4th Floor London, Ontario (519) 434-6811 PG. 7?6 THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1982