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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-03-16, Page 77OMAF: new name, broader mandate Premier Bob Rae announced last week that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food will broaden its mandate and become the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "The addition of Rural Affairs to the name and mandate of the Agriculture and Food ministry reflects this government's strong commitment to rural economic growth and job creation," the Premier said. "The additional focus will provide rural corn- munities with the kind of atten- tion they need and deserve." This initiative will be ac- complished by re -directing exis- ting staff and financial resources to more clearly focus on service delivery to rural clients. The Premier highlighted the success of recent ministry initiatives in support of rural economic development, including the new FarmPLUS grogram, which allows rural i vectors to buy guaranteed investment certificates. The proceeds from the sale of the GICs are then pooled and made available as loans for farm and agri-business ventures in rural areas. Premier Rae said the expanded mandate is a logical extension of the work the ministry has carried out over the years to enhance the economic viability of rural com- munities. "The expanded man- date reinforces the ministry's role as facilitator in helping rural communities meet their needs. The Minister, Elmer Buchanan, is from rural Ontario and he knows the needs and potential of our rural areas as centres for economic growth and job creation," he said. In addition, the Premier an- nounce and initial contribution of $250,000 to a Rural Develop- ment Research Fund. Since 1991, OMAF has introduced several policies and programs aimed at helping rural communities develop their economic potential. In 1992, the ministry launched its Agricul- tural Investment Strategy to stimulate rural investment and expand the scope of financial resources available to the rural and agricultural community. In its 1993 reorganization, a Rural Development Secretariat was created to support rural com- munities in thew efforts toward self directed economic renewal. In the same year, a Minister's Advisory Committee on Rural Issues was established with representatives from rural or- ganizations and communities. As well, the ministry was one of five participating ministries in the jobsOntario Community Action programs to focus on creating employment in rural Ontario. "The ministry's established presence and profile in rural communities across Ontario will be enhanced through its growing emphasis on rural community development, a direction reflected in the addition of rural affairs to the ministry name," Premier Rae said. BNR 1 EQUIPMENT LTD. 1 2 Industrial Road Walkerton 881-2921 • Rental • Sales • Service Where Hopper Goes the Water Flows Call Collect Neil 522-1737 a Durl 271-7860 W.D. HOPPER & SONS LTD. R.R. 2, Seaforth WATER WELL DRILLING Since 1915• .. INCOME TAX SERVICE •farm, business, or personal •complete year-roud service including tax audit representation •E -File available Over 13 years' experience Quality work at reasonable rates "FREE CONSULTATION' Stephen Thompson Box 387, Blyth 523-4916 Cook's. Growing to meet your needs. For over 100 years, Cook's has expanded its facilities to serve the growing needs of our farm customers. In that time, we've earned a reputation for reliable com- modity trading and responsive supply of crop inputs. We pride ourselves on being a full service, 100% Canadian - owned business. Our 8 locations have everything you need this spring, from seed and fertilizer to crop protection products. And Cook's people have the expertise to help you get the most from your crop. We can help you with the crop planning, provide soil testing and fertilizer blending, and custom application of nutrients and crop protection products. When you're looking for reliable input services this spring... plan to grow with Cook's. Division or Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited Amberley • viv Atwood Walton • Hensall • CAKaalliiaon • ParkhW • Beechwood 0 SARNIA 0 LONDON "Where you can trade' with confidence." Farm Progress '84 -Page 15A OMAF improves services by Debbie Davidson To meet new demands of the rural community, OMAF (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food) is refocussing its staff to face the 1990s. "Recent revisions to field staff responsibilities in the Agriculture and Rural division will bring spe- cialized information and resources closer to the client," said Cal Hold- en, Field Services Manager for Bruce and Grey counties. "These changes will allow staff to focus their efforts on implement- ing the division priorities of Com- petitive Agriculture Environmental Sustainability and Rural Community Development." Changes with field staff are taking place because of a 1992 comprehensive study of OMAF's farm cliental service. ""lire study told us we were doing a good job delivering techni- cal information, but in the area of farm business management we were told we could do better," said Hold- en, who works out of the Markdale office. The area of farm business man- agement deals with things like the cost of production, farm analysis, tax information, passing assets from one generation to the next and farm structure information. In the past, the OMAF system basically Involved production type people and farm management spe- cialists. "We decided to do away with farm management specialists and focus what they do onto our com- modity people." For example, a dairy farmer would have dealt with two people in the office when he needed help. Now, a dairy advisor will advise the farmer on both production and financial management, he said. The local field office in Walkerton will continue to serve as the primary source of information for clients. New commodity advisor positions have been created to in- crease the level of service in tech- nology transfer and farm manage- ment skills. •turn to page 18a RITCHIE ELECTRIC LUCKNOW 528-31:- "Everything Electrical" tr, • V r,u f a t ,r. • 04'6114110191M, — Celebrating our.. . 15th Year in the Electrical Business ONTARIO LEAGUE *RURAL *RESIDENTIAL *INDUSTRIAL *COMMERCIAL *HYDRO POLE and POLE LINE CONSTRUCTION TOLL FREE EMERGENCY SERVICE - Pager 1-559-2590 452 WOLSLEY STREET DON RITCHIE LUCKNOW 528-3141