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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1993-03-17, Page 35''s• 'N.'t4;4k ),\\ ,.:,x, k-\\,,,,:„,,,‘„:. .„,, ,-„,,,,:.. to',,m,,k ,,,,..-- •:,,,,. ., , By Murray Cardiff MP, Huron-Bruce It is important to preserve the fanning way of life. It is equally important to build a successful, competitive agri-food industry in Canada. Success for the agri-food industry will help build a strong and prosperous nation. During the last half of the 1980s Canada's share of the world agri-food exports fell while world agri-food exports grew during that time. Therefore, in June 1991, we set up the Agri-Food Competitiveness Council, a private sector group, to help develop a more competitive environment for producers. As a result of the Council's recommendations, government support and our agri-food exporters commitment to high quality, fast delivery and competitive pricing, we enjoyed rapid growth in export trade in 1992, particularly with the United States. Total agri-food exports to the U.S., between January and June, were up 28 per cent compared to the same period in 1991. However, Canadian exports to the world's fast growing import markets have not increased at the same rate as have those of our chief competitors. In recognition of this fact and to put our exporters on more solid trading ground so they are better able to capitalize on international market opportunities, the federal government in partnership with industry and the provinces, is providing the elements for success abroad. In November 1992, we held the first-ever Agri-Food Competitiveness Conference which brought together representatives from every link of the food production chain to discuss trade strategies. During the conference, we announced the new Trade Opportunities Strategy to help the agri-food industry boost its exports by preparing for the future while reducing the need for farm income support programs. This strategy includes more support for trade development, an increase in the number of agri-food professionals in Canadian embassies, and teams to help resolve trade disputes. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is another element in the government's overall plan to increase our competitive position internationally. Exports account for about one-half of all farm cash receipts. With NAFTA securing access to the Mexican market, an estimated 100 million people by the year 2,000 who now spend $4 billion worldwide on agri-food imports, and improving trade opportunities for a wide range of agricultural and food products, Canadian farmers will prosper. The 1992 National Survey of Farmers found that 30 per cent of Canadian farmers believe that they are the ones who should be the major leaders in making the farm sector more competitive and more than two-thirds of those polled agreed they will have to continue to change their farms and farming practices in ordey for the industry to remain competitive. However, 22 per cent of farmers surveyed cited access to capital as the major barrier to adaptation and becoming more competitive. Therefore, Bill C-95 which updates and expands the mandate of the Farm Credit Corporation (FCC) will help provide the necessary element to enhance rural Canada by providing specialized and personalized financial services to farming operations and to those business in rural Canada that are related to farming. The FCC legislation is a result of extensive consultations with industry since as early as 1989. It follows through on recommendations from a wide variety of groups, including representatives of the federal and provincial governments and key agriculture and financial associations. Farmers have been asking for an FCC that is empowered to react quickly to changes to fmance innovative proposals for revitalizing rural communities. We have clear indications that the proposed changes to the FCC legislation are eagerly awaited. The whole purpose of this enabling legislation is to give FCC the flexibility to adapt its policies to the times and help farmers compete in a global market. This cannot be done unless administrative policy change is required but without having to run to Parliament for approval. I know the farmers of this country are waiting for us to pass this legislation which reflects their wants and needs for a responsive financial institution dedicated exclusively to the agricultural community. There is a sense of anticipation in our communities about this bill, and I know we would all like to see this legislation passed soon. Another factor we are continuing to resolve with a successful result is the Uruguay Round. We remain at the GATT table with the goal of more liberalized trade by reducing import barriers and trade-distorting subsidies. The Uruguay Round has lasted far longer than we had envisioned. I believe, however, there is still potential of reaching a satisfactory agreement and negotiations will be brought to a swift conclusion once the U.S. and the EC resolve their difference on agriculture, especially on how to deal with export subsidies. Our agri-food industry is enjoying inflation and interest rates at decades- low levels; our cost of production is as good or better than our key competitors' for numerous major commodities; including grains, red meats and horticultural products; our resource base is second to none; and our reputation for quality is recognized and respected around the globe. If we build on these strengths and put the key elements in place to develop a co- ordinated game plan for competing in the changing world marketplace, I am confident we can put together a winning record for many more years to come. DURA-WELD • Portable Welding • Fabrication & Repairs • Industrial & Agricultural MIllwrighting R.R. #4, Brussels Dylan Bus. 887-6594 Van Den Assem Res. 887-6877 CENTRALIA COLLEGE Huron Park, Ont. NOM1Y0 Tips, Techniques and Takeaways for Peak Farm Performance Tuesday, March 30/93 (10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) Fee: $35. (Includes lunch) An information day on how to make sound farm management decisions in an Increasingly global market Keynote speaker: Dr. David Kohl, Virginia Polytech Also: "Competitiveness of Canadian Agriculture Industry" -George Arnold, Royal Bank "Ontario Challenges" -Dr. George Brinkman, University of Guelph To register phone Centralia College (519) 228-6691, Ext. 285 Please register in advance to reserve your spot! This day is partially funded by the Ontario Agricultural Training Institute M W MOTORS... ONLY AT PRICEMISTERS! F *THE CITY EA URING THE p •1993 MAZDA B2200• STANDARD CAB PICK UP / CANADA'S BEST SELLING! / CANADA'S BEST EQUIPPED! / CANADA'S LOWEST PRICE 1993 IMPORT TRUCK! •2.2 litre SOHC/Electronic Fuel Injection Engine *5 speed transmission •Power brakes with rear ABS •Dual mirrors •AM/FM stereo cassette *Tinted glass *Full sized spare & much more -olus freight POI taxes and licence. All incentives apply WE DARE YOU TO COMPARE! mazoa IT JUST FEELS RIGHT M-W MOTORS LTD. SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • LEASING 300 SUNCOAST DR. E., GODERICH CALL- 1-800-267-7567/:524-2113 HOURS. MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM SATURDAYS 9 AM TO 4 PM EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT FARMING '93, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1993. AlS. Farm 93 Continued from page Al2 Spartan, Golden Delicious and Northern Spy apples from his dwarf trees. This year, he may have even more varieties as more recently planted trees such as Jersey Macs, Red Delicious, Mutsui, Jonagold, Idared, Golden Russett, Courtland and Gala start producing. Stemming from the success of his 22-acre crop, which he plans to expand to 40 acres, are plans to open a retail store. Mr. Bailey recently purchased the former Blyth Distributors, situ- ated at the north end of Blyth, which he plans to enlarge and use as an outlet to sell his apples. But his plans go beyond his own operation. He sees this sector of the county, from Bayfield to Teeswater, to Hwy 4, as having the potential to become a major apple producer. "I'm disappointed in what has been happening to agriculture," admits Mr. Bailey. "I feel this land has the potential to make a great deal more money than planting 100 acres of crops." He says the stony fields and rolling hills, which aren't conducive to growing crops, are perfect for trees. Moreover, orchards don't require extensive drainage like tra- ditional crops do. "We've got the potential here for an industry if farmers would do it," he says. "I believe there's money in apples. Now, Canada imports 40 per cent of the fresh apples we use." There's also a good export market to many European countries, he believes. "It's just a matter of producing the top product and good market- ing," he says. "I've proved we can produce a quality product." Apple orchards could also revi- talize the land in the area, he says. "With this type of operation, there is no erosion and the land should get better." For now, Mr. Bailey is testing other environmentally friendly methods at his own orchard, name- ly pesticide and fungicide use. Though he's determined there's no alternative to using toxins, the solutions can be diluted to half their recommended strength and still remain effective, he says. Beside apples, Blythe Brooke Orchards is comprised of 200 pear trees, an acre of sweet and sour cherries and two acres of pick- your-own strawberries. Blythe Brooke Orchard offers 13 varieties of apples Agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy and of our rural communities. I am proud and honoured to represent the interests of 9furon and Bruce County in Ottawa and as always rook forward to the many challenges and successes that the future brings.' Best Wishes From Murray Cardiff, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Huron-Bruce