The Rural Voice, 2003-02, Page 461IT1'1E'IIHI Burnell Kipfer,PCFA R.ROff#1ice Sebringville519-229-6430 NOKFax 1X0 519-2Ph29-6269: 519-271-3399 e-mail: Fax 519-273-0789
perch@ofa.on.ca
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
Starting a new year at OFA
By. Ron Bonnett, President, Ontario already reached farmers, and another
Federation of Agriculture year of bridge funding is ahead of us
Traditionall. the start of a new year this year.
provides the opportunity to set new We're not convinced the
goals and objectives for the coming Agricultural Policy Framework
months. At the Ontario Federation of announcement means the salvation of
Agriculture we also find it valuable to Canadian agriculture. There are still
review actions and accomplishments intense negotiations taking place
from the past 12 months as we look between farm organizations and the
forward to 2003. federal and provincial levels of
Many Ontario farmers have government on the safety nets issue.
expressed satisfaction at the OFA will continue to be there with the
accomplishments of agriculture over Canadian Federation of Agriculture to
the past year. Speaking as the new protect the long-term interests of our
president of the OFA. it must be said farmers.
that 2002 was a banner year for We also have to be proud of the
government announcements for our progress made as Ontario agriculture
industry. and that the OFA played a moves closer to nutrient management
major role in securing advances in legislation that will work for the
policies and programs for our industry. protection of the environment. Having
Some of the highlights from the past a Premier and a Minister of Agriculture
12 months include the multi -billion and Food who acknowledge the value
dollar announcement in June by Prime and importance of our industry has
Minister Chretien and the launching of moved us through the process with a
the Agricultural Policy Framework minimum of snags.
initiative. Some of the bridge funding When consultations are held as the
contained in that announcement has nutrient management regulations are
Federations have multitude of uses for funding
When Ontario farmers pay their annual
farm business registration fee of $150
plus GST. they should think about how
many uses County Federations of
Agriculture have for their share of that
money.
The Ontario Federation of
Agriculture (OFA) returns $25 per
member to county federations each
year from the $150 fee. A survey of
county federations asking for details of
what each uses the money for resulted
in a large list of special activities,
projects and functions sponsored and/or
organized by counties.
Common targets for the county
share of farmer funding is sponsorship
of 4-H events and activities;
scholarships for local students
attending an agricultural college or
university to study agriculture; and
sponsoring farm safety awareness
programs and events.
Other popular uses for the funding
included farm tours to increase
consumer awareness of agriculture;
contributing to agriculture in the
42 THE RURAL VOICE
ciassroom programs: support of local
plowing matches: producing and
circulating newsletters to OFA
members at the local level: and
conducting information meetings to
help local, provincial and federal
politicians gain a better understanding
of the farming industry.
Leadership development is a vital
aspect of all local federations of
agriculture, and with the funding made
available to county federations, along
with specific training programs offered
by OFA, Ontario's future agricultural
leaders are brought through the system
and prepared to move the industry
forward.0
PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, February 27, 2003
Downie Mutual Insurance Office
Sebringville 10:30 a.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
• The Rural Voce is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA.
formulated. Minister Johns delivers on
her commitment to listen to farmers
and design the regulations with their
input. Although OFA is not yet
satisfied with the regulations as they
exist, we are confident appropriate
changes can be included to make the
legislation and its regulations work for
the environment and Ontario's farmers.
It hasn't always been that way
between the Ontario Government and
the farmers of the province.
Premier Eves gave his continued
commitment to Ontario agriculture
when he officially opened the OFA
convention. He acknowledged the
aspects of farming that are beyond the
control of farmers — things like
weather, world markets, and product
subsidization by other nations — and
said society has to be ready to step in
and provide financial support to ensure
agriculture survives in Ontario.
Also on OFA's agenda for the
coming year are sales tax issues, energy
costs, property taxation, protection of
wildlife habitat and species at risk, and
a number of land use issues.
OFA has developed a very credible
position in its dealings with
governments. The strong support of
Ontario farmers for the work of OFA
has to be credited for this
accomplishment.
As we work to build on this
government support and the strong
working relationship in 2003, the
continued support of our members is
critical.0
EFP COURSES
Book yourself for an
Environmental Farm Plan
Course to be eligible for
program funding.
1 1/2 day courses available
February 12/February 19
Milverton Community Complex
- Pre -register -
Call Mary 393-6232