The Rural Voice, 1991-11, Page 371
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NEWS
PILOT PLAN WANTS UNUSED PESTICIDES
A pilot waste agricultural pesticide
disposal program is scheduled to get
started in mid-November.
The program, funded by the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food (OMAF) is a one time only,
no -charge opportunity for rural resi-
dents of the counties of Simcoe, Nor-
folk, and Huron to safely dispose of
unwanted or unusable agricultural pes-
ticides. They will be able to deliver
these products to a special waste pesti-
cide disposal depot, to be set up in each
county for two consecutive days.
The program is the brainchild of
AGCare, who made repeated requests to
the provincial government to provide an
opportunity to safely dispose of unus-
able agricultural pesticides. "AGCare
is also pleased that the MOE and OMAF
plan to provide a waste pesticide collec-
tion program in 1992 for other counties,
province -wide," says Jeff Wilson, AG -
Care Chairman.."
The disposal program complements
the Grower Pesticide Safety Course
(GPSC) in demonstrating the commit-
ment of Ontario farmers to responsible,
safe use and storage of pesticides. The
highly successful GPSC was also re-
quested by AGCare, as required training
for agricultural pesticide users.
Disposal site dates are: Norfolk and
Simcoe counties — November 13 and
14; Huron County — November 20 and
21. Pre -registration, by calling the local
OMAF offices in these three counties, is
required to assist planning for site staff-
ing and operations.
A licensed waste disposal contractor
will be at the depots to receive the waste
pesticides from farmers, and remove
them to a waste disposal facility. Since
containers may deteriorate with age,
those pre -registering will be sent infor-
mation to remind them of safe transpor-
tation and handling procedures.
AGCare, through 11 member
groups, represents over 45,000 Ontario
growers of field and horticultural crops
on agricultural pesticide use and other
related environmental issues.°
FORMER AG MINISTER LAUNCHES FIRM
Jack Riddell, a former Ontario Min-
ister of Agriculture, is launching the
new firm —Jack Riddell Public Affairs
Consultants — to help business and
groups deal with complex government
bureaucracy, as well as understand how
the political system works.
"More than ever before, many busi-
nesses and groups are affected by deci-
sions and regulations of government
boards and agencies, and I want to use
my 17 years' experience at Queen's
Park to try and help them solve their
problems, and get their story out," said
Mr. Riddell, Minister of Agriculture and
Food from 1985 to 1989.
"In particular, the agriculture and
food industry in Canada faces many
challenges," said Mr. Riddell, "from
changing trade barriers as the result of
the Canada U.S. Free Trade Agreement,
to the proposed free trade agreement
with Mexico, and the pending changes
in the GATT."
"As one who has represented On-
tario to other governments in the United
States, Europe, and Asia, I feel I have the
expertise which will allow me to help
businesses and groups identify opportu-
nities and concerns," said Mr. Riddell.
"Environmental concerns as well are
having an impact on agriculture in such
areas as land use planning, land steward-
ship, soil and water enhancement, and
food safety," said Mr. Riddell.
"As one who took a lead role in shap-
ing and administering much of the legis-
lation and regulation in those areas while
I was in cabinet, I understand the need
for groups to have as much input as pos-
sible into the process," said Mr. Riddell.
"More than ever before, no business
or organization can operate in a vacuum.
All must work with governments, me-
dia, and other associations to ensure that
their interests are properly represented
and understood," said Mr. Riddell.
Initially, Mr. Riddell will operate the
business out of his farm at R. R. 1, Hay,
near Exeter, Ontario.°
BALE CHOPPING
MADE EASY
• Reduce feeding waste
and increase palatability.
• Do the job fast with a tractor -powered
Patz Big -bale Chopper.
• Models for 4 -foot to 6 -foot -diameter
round bales or several rectangular
bales.
• Patented horizontal chopping method
requires Tess horsepower.
• A spinning rotor with knives chops
as the tub rotates.
• Easy start of chopper knives with
freewheeling lifting disk.
• Two side -discharge ports.
• Optional high vertical -discharge
chute.
• Optional flexible hose for restricted
access and mulching.
4.9%
A.P.R.
financing for
a limited time
G & B Farm Equipment
R. R. #1, Neustadt, Ont.
799-5584
"Where price & quality meet"
a
SAFETY
REPLACEMENT
CHAIN
Pintle & hook link chain
for stable cleaners.
o 0
0
re
Single chain conveyor chain
(in stock) $7.35/ft.
Also replacement chains
for most manure spreaders,
feeders, conveyors, etc.
LYNN LOWRY
FARM SYSTEMS LTD.
R. R. 1, Kincardine, Ont.
519-395-2615
519-395-2616
We Handle Everything (Almost)
NOVEMBER 1991 33