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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-03-19, Page 47THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1997. PAGE A-27. Agriculture *97 Thoughts from Queen’s Park Agriculture, Huron’s backbone By Helen Johns MPP Huron Dear Agricultural Community, The Agri-Food industry is the backbone of the economy in Huron County. One third of Huron County's workforce is directly employed i food production or processing. In terms of Farm Gate Sales, at nearly $450 million, Huron ranks seventh in the country, ahead of Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island or the total farm gate sales of New Brunswick and Newfoundland combined. That translates into almost $2 billion in economic activity. That’s something to be proud of! The challenge we face as a province is to come up with creative solutions that address our needs and the government's overall strategy of bringing responsive, accountable business-like principles to the delivery of government services. I do believe we developed some creative solutions that address our needs and the government's overall strategy of bringing responsive, accountable business­ like principles to the delivery of government services. I do believe we developed some creative solutions for the agricultural sector in Ontario. Solutions arose because we took a business-like approach, viewing agri-food as it should be viewed, as a critical business. One of the first initiatives from our business plan was Grow Ontario — a new $15 million program incorporating the priorities of research, marketing and competitiveness. There's a still time to prepare applications and project plans before the final deadline - which has been extended until March 15, 1997. Another highlight this year was the passage of Bill 46, the Ontario Agri-Food and Rural Business Bill. This incorporates the principles of more efficient administration, increased self-reliance for stakeholders, reduced regulatory control and red tape, and effective customer service. It lets us put OMAFRA's business plan into action. The bill moves the minister out of direct delivery of some services that can be better carried out by others, particularly industry partners. A number of months ago the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Noble Villeneuve, met with a delegation from the Japanese Federation of Economic Organizations, known as the Keidanren. They were in Ontario investigating investment opportunities in all economic sectors, including agriculture and food. Keidanren is a private, non-profit and highly influential organization that represents most areas of economic activity in Japan. Its membership includes almost 1,000 leading Japanese corporations. At the heart of our strategy for building Ontario's economy for the 21st century lies a commitment to make this province a more attractive place to do business. Let me share with you some of the feedback we've received since this visit. In their preliminary report they write about a new awareness of opportunities in our agricultural and food sector. In particular, they were impressed by some of our unique food technologies and dedication to the highest standards of food safety. Reference is made to participants who had said they had never considered Canada when making investment decisions in North America - but would now. However, the report cites concerns about the "plethora of regulatory hurdles required by various levels of government in Canada." As you know, our government is already moving ahead on the issue of regulation and red tape. We're committed to creating a stable, predictable business environment - an environment without surprises and needless regulations. As well we're telling the world that Ontario is open for business. As many of you know, during the fist six months of 1996, we led all other provinces in agri- food exports - up 14 per cent over the same period last year. That translates into almost $5 billion in agri- food exports annually. Our goal is to nearly double that by the year 2000. Recently during the "Who Does What" initiatives Minister Villeneuve announced the proposed elimination of the Farm Tax Rebate, a commitment made by every government and every party for the past 26 years. It will provide tax fairness to Ontario farmers. Farmers will no longer have to pay property taxes on farmland, fill out forms and wait several months for the rebate. We've set the farm tax rate at 25 per cent of residential tax. The farmhouse and one acre will remain taxed at the full residential rate in a given community. Farmers will pay their tax bill like everybody else, at the lower rate where it applies. They'll still have to meet the criteria for farmland and register their farms to qualify. However, instead of waiting for rebates, fanners will be able to use their money more productively. We believe the changes will result in better accountability, greater efficiencies and improved delivery of services at less cost to taxpayers. Lastly, we are looking at the Farm Practices Protection Act. My colleagues, Marcel Beaubien, MPP for Lambton and Harry Danford, MPP for Hastings-Peterborough are travelling the province, meeting with stakeholders to receive input on the discussion paper released by the Ministry. I have personally sent copies to all the agricultural associations, industry and some farmers for their input. A Right to Farm meeting was held in Kirkton on Feb. 14, to discuss the questions raised in the discussion paper. Over 100 individuals participated in the meeting, along with Marcel Beaubien, OMAFRA staff, and myself. We have to make sure those provincial regulations and municipal bylaws do not restrict normal farm practices, and that's one of the principles in the current review. The bottom line is we must ensure that new legislation protects farmers and,food producers to allow them to get the job done - and let others recognize farming as the vital business that it is. If you would like a copy of the discussion paper please contact my constituent office at (519) 235- 4920. All of these initiatives are right for the times and right for Ontario's agri-food and rural sector. As your representative in the provincial government, I look forward to continuing to work both for you and with you as we go about building a stronger agri-food industry and rural Ontario. Space openings evenly to reduce risk of collapse Continued from A-26 to form valves which, when bent up, allow grain flow freely. When bent back into place, they slow or stop the flow. This type of control protects rescue workers inside the bin, who otherwise might be drawn into a rapid, uncontrolled flow of grain. Space openings uniformly around the bin to reduce the risk of structural collapse and make it easier to remove grain from around the base. Once the victim has been uncovered, the bin openings can be closed to allow safe access by rescuers. If the victim is only partially submerged, follow these proce­ dures. If possible, lower a rescue squad member into the bin to reassure the victim and to attempt to attach a body harness or life line. Don’t try to pull the victim free with the line. The tremendous drag of the grain could cause further injuries. The life line is only intended to prevent further sinking. Check the victim's airway for grain. If he/she is experiencing breathing difficulties, administra­ tion of oxygen will help. Panic and struggle may be the chief reasons for respiratory problems, so try to calm the victim. Construct a shield if there is danger of further grain collapse. A steel drum with both ends removed, plywood and pieces of sheet metal formed into a circle have all been used successfully. You may need to remove a portion of the bin's roof to get material inside. Once the shield is in place, it may be possible to free the victim by scooping grain from the inside of the shielded area. Use a board or sheet of plywood as a work platform. You can avoid entrapment by making it a policy to never walk on a stored grain surface. If entry is essential, use the life line and 'buddy' system! NOW AVAILABLE - High yielding corn and soybeans for all management practices and markets —T_ AND SOYBEANS have arrived NORTHRUP KING SOYBEANS S00-55 - 2550 H.U. yellow hilum, ex. seed quality S00-66 ■ 2575 H.U. sold out S07-57 - 2675 H.U. high yield, ex. disease tolerance S12-49 - 2800 H.U. high yield, ex. standing NORTHRUP KING CORN N2555 high yield & test weight N2555 Bt corn borer protection New food inspection agency good news for consumers A new food inspection agency - slated to be up and running by early 1997 - means a streamlined approach to food inspection and animal and plant health for Canadians. Bob Ray is the executive co­ ordinator of communications and consultations with the Office of Food Inspection Systems for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He is excited about the new agency and explains what it will mean for Canadians. "Canada has always been a world leader in food safety. That won't change. But, consumers and industry alike can expect improved service and reduced overlap and duplication, saving $44 million each year, starting at 1998/99." The new agency is an amalgamation of the food inspection and animal and plant health services of three departments - Health, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Agriculture and Agri­ Food Canada. The head of the new agency will report to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. All levels of government have some responsibility in maintaining Canada's healthy food supply. The union of the inspection areas of the three federal departments is a step toward greater harmonization of food inspection standards and systems among federal, provincial and municipal governments in Canada. The agency will be responsible for food inspection, animal and plant health and related activities. This includes food recalls, investigation of food-related illness and the management of food safety emergencies. The new agency will have a staff of 4,500 and a start-up budget of $300 million. FIRST LINE SOYBEANS Korada 2600 H.U. yellow hilum, high yield, ex. standing Beck 2650 H.U. high yield, no-till, ex. standing AC Bravor sold out Secan and Public Soybeans Seed available in bulk or bags Also available - Forage and Grain Seed, - Soybean Inoculants MARCH EARLY PAY DISCOUNTS Call for more details and specific recommendations JOHN W. KING R.R. #4 Wingham 357-2645