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The Rural Voice, 1990-10, Page 62GREY County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER 446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9 519-364-3050 ' The Rural Voice is provided to all Grey County Farmers by the GCFA. At the Grey County Federation of Agriculture Regional Meeting held at the Markdale Legion on September 12, the guest speaker was Roger George, OFA 1st vice president. Roger spoke on the many challenges and issues facing OFA. The nomination of the provincial directors and election of delegates to the OFA Convention were held. In the Grey North region, Donna Vanderham resigned as provincial di- rector stating that the many commit- ments as president of the Grey -Bruce Humane Society did not allow her time to remain as a provincial director. We would like to thank Donna for the excel- lent work she has done on our behalf. Jeff Torrie was elected regional director of Grey North. Jeff as incoming regional director will attend convention for Grey North Region. Arnold Oliver, Don Hill, and Elmer Scarrow were elected as delegates to attend the 1990 Convention. Alternate is Donna Van- derham. Wes Sparling was acclaimed re- gional director for Grey East Region. Delegates to convention will be ap- pointed at a later date. Wes will attend convention as regional director for Grey East Region. Murray Clarke resigned as regional director Grey South. He has served eighteen years in various positions with OFA and believes it is time for someone else to take over. A special thank you to Murray for the work you have given to the farmers of Grey County and Ontario. Murray and Donna will be missed at the provincial level, however, we know you will continue to support the OFA. Karl Braeker was elected regional director, Grey South to replace Murray Clarke. Thanks Karl. Lorne Eccles and Bill Pullen were elected as delegates to convention. Alternate is Don Lewis. Karl Braeker is incoming regional di- rector and Murray Clarke as retiring regional director will also attend con- vention for Grey South Region. At the GCFA 1989 Annual Meet- ing, concern was voiced and two resolu- tions were passed concerning land use and severances. As a result, a committee was formed and briefs were called for. 58 THE RURAL VOICE On March 1, 1990, the federation spon- sored a public meeting at which people involved in agriculture in Grey County were given the opportunity to present their ideas and concerns regarding land use and severances. Commodity groups were also invited to make presentations. Briefs were presented verbally and in writing by fourteen people, and a total of thirty-one submissions were received. The committee discussed and sum- marized the briefs. The GCFA Land Use Policy Brief was presented to the Grey County Planning Approval Com- mittee on September 11, 1990. Anyone wishing a copy of the GCFA Land Use Policy Brief can obtain same by contact- ing our office in Hanover. The following is the Land Use Policy of the Grey County Federation of Agriculture, Recommendations and Observations. 1. That development, whether it be housing or industry, be encouraged to take place adjacent to existing towns, villages and hamlets. 2.(a) That where housing is allowed in rural areas, severances for that purpose be restricted to Class 4 to 7 land. (b) The purchaser of any severed rural lot be required to sign an agreement that he/she be prepared to live with dust, noise, and odour associated with normal farm practices, and prevent erosion or refrain from interfering with waterways etc. as a "rider on the deed." (c) That any new housing be required to keep the same distance from existing barns as new barn construction must be from existing houses. 3. That retirement homes for farmers be allowed as a second residence on the farm without the necessity of a sever- ance. 4. That any development recognize the importance of maintaining our wetlands and other conservation practices. 5. Support in principle Foodland Guide- lines except where we differ in our Land Use Policy Recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That the council of this county recog- nize the importance of agriculture to the economy and people of Grey and reflect this recognition in the decision making process. 2. That whatever policies are adopted regarding land use, that they be applied evenly throughout the county or plan- ning area. 3. That the procedure of severance ap- plication be revised. It is noted that it may be beneficial for all concerned if all comments on the severance application be submitted before any decision is made, especially at the township level. 4. That the county enter into a study to determine the costs and benefits to the county of widespread rural housing as opposed to plan of subdivision develop- ments. 5. That all power and authority for plan- ning and enforcing the plan be held with local, elected county representatives, subject to a workable official plan and effective Provincial Legislation. Observations: 1. The Grey County Federation of Agri- culture is mandated to represent the in- terest of farmers and farming in this county. We cannot support the claims of some who doubt the future of agricul- ture. It is the right and proper role of the organization to comment publicly on an issue of such great concern to this indus- try we represent. It is our wish to work to solve the problems and questions in conjunction with others who are in a position to do so, for the common good. 2. Along with agriculture, recreation is the other major industry Grey County has to offer. Poorly planned develop- ment, whether housing or industry, would be detrimental to both these important elements of our county. 3. The land use policies of this county can be used to either strengthen or weaken the fabric of agriculture as well as social, cultural, recreational and other aspects of life in Grey County. Elmer Scarrow, Executive Director GREY COUNTY Annual Meeting & Banquet Friday, October 19, 1990 Guest Speaker: Brewster Kneen author of From Land to Mouth: Understanding the Food System Banquet: 7 pm Tickets: $12. per person, available from township directors.