The Rural Voice, 1999-10, Page 58BRUCE
Email: Bruce@ofa.on.ca
website: www.ofa.on.ca/bruce
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
CountyFederation ofAgriculture NEWSLETTER The RuralCVoice is provided Bruce
(�.� County Farmers by the BCFA.
Agriculture is at another crossroads
This past summer it has become
evident that once again agriculture is
at another crossroad. Just as our
grandfathers saw their ways of
farming altered dramatically by the
mechanization of agriculture earlier in
this century, we are facing a new wave
of change.
Biotechnology has slid into
mainstream agriculture with the same
force as the tractor did many years
before. Now just as then the advocates
and opponents are choosing sides.
These sides are not just drawn between
those who use the technology and
those who choose not to, those who
are developing it and those who feel
squeezed by it, but also by consumers
and end users who want choices. For
this reason it is not surprising that with
the beginning of the biotech
movement, starting with Bt corn in the
80s, there has also been a renaissance
in organic agriculture. This consumer
choice will require product
identification through the market
system. Although achievable this may
also be a huge nightmare for everyone
growing, collecting, storing,
processing and marketing any
commodity, locally and globally.
Just listen to some radio talk show
callers and you hear genetically
modified products referred to as
"poisoned food" and Frankenstein
food, sometimes mentioned in the
same breath with undiscriminating
pesticide use. Whether you believe
such callers reflect a true cross section
of public opinion or just the vocal
minority, it should be of concern to us
as primary producers. What we do or
don't do, say or not say may determine
our relationship with our urban
consumers and non-farm neighbours.
BRUCE COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
Directors' Meeting
** Note Date Change ..
Monday, November 15, 1999
8:00 p.m.
OMAFRA Boardroom, Walkerton
Members are welcome to attend
NOTE: There is no meeting In October due
to the Annual Meeting on October 29
54 THE RURAL VOICE
Nobody should expect that everything
that comes down the new technology
pipeline, should be or could be used
holus bolus. A case in point is the
rejection of the hormone BST. Few in
our supply managed market system
needed or wanted its introduction and
even fewer consumers favoured it.
There is, however, great potential
benefit to producers, consumers, and
the environment, if careful and
selective use of biotechnology can be
achieved. Developing gene technology
that targets very specific pests (eg.
corn borer or corn root worm) and
leaves others (eg. monarch butterfly
caterpillars) unharmed, should be the
goal. Recent honey bee kills in
southern Ontario, blamed on spraying
sweet corn, edible beans, etc. may
become avoidable in the future. The
technology required may be less of an
obstacle than will consumer
acceptance.
The current growing controversy
within the livestock sector may also
find some help from genetically
modified pigs and/or feed grains that
pollute less and smell less. Surely
there must be a place for this.
Domestically there may not be a
demand for genetics that enhance
cereal crops, but globally the arrival of
vitamin A increased rice (presently
being developed) could have a
profound effect on health in
developing countries.
Modified crops here at home may
go beyond just renewable fuel sources
and biodegradable plastics. The new
wave "pharming" has great potential
for diverse value -enhanced crops of
benefits to us all.
For those who feel they need a
totally "natural" product to be safe,
there is a role for organic agriculture.
Those wanting to go this route should
be willing to pay the added cost
associated with production and
marketing.
For mainstream producers and
consumers alike, the new
biotechnology should not cause
concern for safety and quality of our
food. With vigilance and proper
scrutiny there are benefits for
producers, consumers and the
environment.
As we end this century and start the
new millennium, there are many new
and exciting frontiers opening before
us. Time will tell how things will
evolve, but at the very least it should
be interesting.0
— Submitted be Ken Holtby
Kincardine Township Director
BRUCE COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
5STH ANNUAL MEETING
AND BANQUET AND
OFA REGIONAL MEETING
Friday, October 29, 1999
Chesley Community Centre
Social: 6:30 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Dave Carr, CFOS,
Owen Sound, Talk Show Host
Tickets available from
Township Directors or our office
NOMINATION FOR THE BCFA AWARD OF MERIT
"For Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture"
Each year the Bruce County Federation of Agnculture presents an Award to a person in Bruce County who
has made a significant contribution to the agriculture industry. If you have someone you would like to
nominate, please complete this form and retum to our office in Hanover. Nominations should be received at
our office by October 22. The Award will be presented at our Annual Meeting on Friday, October 29.
I nominate:
Reasons for nomination:
Signature:
Please retum to: Bruce County Federation of Agriculture, 446 10th Street, Hanover, ON N4N 1 P9
Fax: 519.364.4119 E-mail: bruce@ofa.on.ca
Or you may give your nomination 10 any Township Director