The Rural Voice, 2003-12, Page 9National Farmers Union - Ontario NEWSLETTER
Ontario Office: R.R. 2, Godfrey, ON KOH 1TO - Phone: 613-273-5545
Email: nfuo@rideau.net Website: www.nfu.ca/on
Resolutions passed at NFU Region 3 convention
Some resolutions passed at the
November 1, NFU Region 3 Special
Convention:
• that the NFU consider creating a
farm registry for our members, which
would list and advertise land and
farm buildings that older or semi-
retired farmers would be willing to
lease or rent to a beginning farmer;
• that the NFU demand that the
federal government implement a
program to support slaughter beef
and dairy cows at 100 per cent or pre
BSE prices, similarly support farmers
who sell bison, sheep or other
livestock and cap and target all
payments;
• that the NFU call upon the federal
and provincial governments to enact
programs and compensation packages
that encourage cull animals to enter
the normal channels;
• that the NFU call upon the
provincial and federal governments to
return the focus of agricultural policy
to maintaining, growing and
enhancing the numbers of farm
families with income policies that
support rural economic growth:
• that the NFU ask the Ontario
Minister of Agriculture to reinstate
experienced, full-time meat
inspectors specific to small plants and
follow through on his promise to hold
a public inquiry into the meat
inspection system in Ontario.0
"PRESERVING DIVERSITY" - A CONFERENCE ON SEEDS
Thursday, December 4 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
St. Marys Community Centre, James St. S., St. Marys
Sponsored by Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario and National Farmers Union - Perth/Oxford Local
Background:
Farmers are rapidly losing control of a basic piece of our livelihood, the quality seeds we need to grow quality crops. Each
year we have fewer varieties to choose from, fewer places to buy them, fewer rights to produce our own seed, more
contamination of our seed supply by genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and further dismantling of public research
programs. Organic farmers face additional challenges in sourcing adequate supplies of top quality organic seed and finding
varieties that perform well under organic conditions. "Preserving Diversity" will provide the opportunity to discuss several
issues related to seed, including, the need for farmers to control seed, access to organic seed, the importance of preserving
heritage varieties, the pros and cons of saving our own seed, selecting varieties for organic conditions, the dismantling of
the varietal registration system, and the threat of GMOs.
Morning Agenda:
The Corporate Control of Seeds - Devlin Kuyek, researcher, author and activist on GMO and seed issues
Current Status of Diversity of Vegetables in Canada - Bob Wildfong, Seeds of Diversity Canada
Afternoon Agenda:
The Challenges and Opportunities of Organic Seed
Panel 1 - Field Crops
Harro Wehrmann, Organic Grain and Seed Marketer, Organic Farmer; Duane Falk, Cereal Crop Research, University of
Guelph; Chris Boettcher, Biodynamic Farmer, Seed Saver
Panel 2 - Market Garden Vegetables
Karyn Wright, Terra Edibles, Seed Grower and Seller; Bob Wildfong, Seeds of Diversity Canada; Ann Slater, Organic
Market Gardener.
Registration: $25 advanced, $35 at the door, organic lunch included. To register call Ann Slater 519-349-2448
There will be displays from companies, organizations and individuals with rare, heritage or organic seed to sell or with an
interest in GMO or seed issues.
For information on local meetings contact the following:
Grey Local - Bev Schenk 519-799-5584
Perth Oxford Local - Ann Slater 519-349-2448
Bruce Local - Mathilda Andres 519-368-5675
Huron Local - Stephen Miller 519-236-4958
Grey Local Meeting - December 10 Perth Oxford Local Meeting - December 11
DECEMBER 2003 5