The Rural Voice, 2003-03, Page 471
Hill AND Hill
FARMS
LIMITED
VARNA ONT.
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News in Agriculture
Tile drainage proposals `Aren't going to work'
Continued from page 42
field -by -field basis and a way of
containing contaminant to one area.
"It's not going to work," said
Bradshaw bluntly.
The requirement of buffer zones
near waterways and a requirement
that any manure or fertilizer applied
within 13 meters of buffers be spread
on living crops or worked in has
brought concern for no -till farmers,
Bradshaw said. The whole point of
no -till farming would be lost if
farmers have to work the soil.
There are real concerns for farmers
in areas like Grey and Bruce
Counties over requirements for soils
spread thinly over bedrock,
Bradshaw said. The requirement is
that there must be one and a half
meters of soil over the bedrock for
any spreading of manure, though
exceptions are allowed for small
amounts of solid manure to be
applied on thinner soil. Criticism of
this regulation has caused the
government to take another look,
Bradshaw said.
Those applying manure will have
to be licensed but for most producers
it will be like taking a pesticide
application course, Bradshaw said.
Ontario Pork has. recommended
that the government set up an expert
panel to look at the "red" and
"yellow" category regulations and
put them through the three-part test
of practicality, research -based and
cost. "We think OMAF may be
listening," Bradshaw said.
The panel would have ongoing
responsibilities to oversee the
usefulness of the regulations. "We're
going to find out sooner or later that
some of these regulations don't
work."
Ontario Pork is also asking that
fanners have access, at no charge, to
any field and site characteristic data
that government agencies have on
file.
"The biggie issue: we need major
funding to look after the cost of
complying," Bradshaw said. "We've
heard they will not fund anything
new and they won't fund until the
category (by size of producer) is
affected."
On the subject of enforcement,
"We've been adamant that inspectors
be well trained in how to deal with
farmers," Bradshaw said.
The Ministry of Environment,
which will be in charge of
enforcement, wants to know about
every complaint but they may agree
to turn over many to a local advisory
committee of the kind already
operating in Huron.
Larry Skinner of Listowel, vice-
president of Ontario Pork said "It's
critical that we push for proper
training (for MOE officials). I feel
we should push to say 'you must
have' a local advisory committee."
Farmers must also push for
funding, he said. "Where (the act)
goes beyond nutrient management,
there should be funding for new and
existing facilities which are for the
good of society, not the farmer."
Skinner said.0
CaII Pete or Kristen for further details
519-233-3218
THE RURAL VOICE 43