Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-09-22, Page 3News No cut and dried answers to problems in agriculture, says Peters in Clinton By Cheryl Heath Clinton News -Record Editor Many area farmers are an unhappy lot thanks to issues that range from the ongoing Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) crisis to the cancellation of Municipal Outlet Drainage (MOD) funding to the bureaucratic quagmire that is the Canadian Agricultural Income Stablization (CAIS) program. Ontario Agriculture Minister Steve Peters believes consultation with stakeholders is the key to turning the corner on a tough year. Peters, who met with agricultural sector leaders in Clinton Thursday, says the sector is juggling a lot of issues and there are few cut- and-dried answers. One step in the right direction, he says, is to focus on proactive strategies, like devising ways to process raw products in Canada rather Ontario Agriculture Minister Steve Peters than abroad. Peters says the BSE crisis continues to weigh heavily on the minds of beef producers. While Peters lauds the federal government's latest aid package to help farmers deal with financial setbacks, he says more must be done in terms of building domestic abattoirs and finding new overseas markets for beef. Still, he says, slamming the door shut on U.S. imports is not the answer since cooperation is vital to the success of the industry. "We need each other," he says. Nonetheless, Peters is among the legion of politicians who does not believe the borders will swing open ally time soon. "There's no light at the end of the tunnel," he says. Ultimately, he says, the BSE situation requires strong federal leadership since the province cannot be expected to fix it. He says federal and provincial -level politicians are scheduled to meet to further discuss the crisis this week. Drainage program The MOD program is dead, but another one could take its place following a public outcry when it was cancelled in late July. The program, which covered one-third of the cost of installing drains on farm land, is a popular topic at panel discussions, says Peters. He says the province is looking at the possibility of redesigning the now defunct program. CAIS CAIS, which was introduced to replace the former disaster -relief program earlier this year, has its share of flaws, adtnits Peters. Though initial payments were to begin arriving in August, the tnajority of farmers have yet to see a cent. Peters says the problem is 80 per cent of the 26,000 applications were not properly filled out. He says file reviewers currently work with about 35 applications per day. It is for that reason CAIS is under review, says Peters, adding funds will begin to flow as quickly as possible. CCFA asking for damages of $iso million under free trade agreement From Page 1 "We think we have a very good chance of winning. It all goes back to this not being a food safety issue. It's politics," said Paskal. Paskal and his legal team peg legal costs at $1.5 million and are asking for litigants to pay anywhere from $1,000 to 515,000 including 16 in Ontario, two depending on the size of their in Quebec, 68 Alberta and 10 beef operation to help to 15 in Saskatchewan. support the costs. Huron County Federation "The way that you get your of Agriculture president Neil foot in the door is you have Vincent said that following to have sustained damages the meeting farmers tossed through the sale of your around the idea of joining the cattle," said Paskal. lawsuit. Since May, 90 people have "Walking around the crowd registered for the lawsuit, afterward the statement was Farm Hiker Tour will have nine stops there would definitely be some of the farmers looking seriously at it," said Vincent. According to Vincent, beef producers have a better chance in winning this case than getting the money back from buying a lottery ticket. "I'm strongly in favor of the thought that we have to do something," said Vincent. in the Brussels area on Sunday, Oct. 3 An excellent variety of displays and stops that will be of interest to people of all ages is offered during the Huron Farm Hiker Tour on Sunday. Oct. 3. The event will provide an opportunity for families and friends to tour some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, while they are learning more about the producers who sustain the North American lifestyle. "I am so pleased with opportunity to view the response by some of exhibits , learn about the our leading agricultural birds and the bees and the operations and 1 know that beans and other products, the people will he as well. and enjoy a delicious And. no, I am not going to Country Supper with tell you ahead of time, it home-made pie for will spoil the pleasant dessert. surprise," said convenor The tours run from noon Dorothy Cumming. to 5 p.m., when the The self-directed tour country supper begins, begins at the Brussels ending at 6:30 p.m. Cost is Morris and Grey Arena in Brussels and will have nine stops to enjoy. After the tour there is an Smong: GUARANTEED... ...or it's FREE. Tried everything and failed? X Smokers works or it's FREE! With our 94 percent graduation rate, you've nothing to lose. You'll 30041 quit or it's FREE! ONE YEAR SUCCESS 43 1 , =II l,• 2 of 44 •J 4; ti (' fit• Jae oye ' 1,m).Gex,- ('nneron .,l It iv.,, l 1,w,,' .1 4, l,'.1 ` /.. ✓ S FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS SEPTEMBER 26 AND OCTOBER 3 NEAR You Call early to reserve your place 1-866-976-6537 toll-free Bring your cigarettes for the smoke -break! Every patient I have sent to X Smokers has quit with very little difficulty and remained off cigarettes. It's hard to beat 100 percent success! Terry Vanderheyden, N.D. $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for preschoolers. LAWN QUESTIONS? Organic Programs CD Available Afl'Ri DIi1.0 V4toed7vcang, 524-2424 -Trust the Professionals - The Huron County Health Unit and the Huron County VETERINARY CLINICS are offering LOW COST RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS For dogs and cats over 3 months of age. Please have your pets on leashes or in carrying cages while in the clinic. Per animal vaccinated. Includes GST. Certificate and tags provided. Visit one of these Huron County Veterinary Clinics: Blyth Veterinary Clink Queen Street South. Blyth Sept. 25, 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Goderich Veterinary Clink RRM2 Hwy. KS Goderich Sept. 29. 2004 - 2:00 pm -5:00 pm Oct. 2, 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Wingham Veterinary Clink 11 Alfred Street. Wingham Sept. 29, 2004 - 2:00 pm -5:00 pm Oct. 2. 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Clinton Veterinary Services 275 Huron Street, Clinton Sept. 29. 2004 - 2:00 pm -5:00 pm Oct. 2. 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Seaforth Veterinary Clink Main Street North. Seaforth Sept. 29. 2004 - 2:00 pm -5:00 pm Oct. 2. 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Zurich Veterinary Clink 20 Main Street. Zurich Sept. 29. 2003 - 2:00 pm -5:00 pm Oct. 2. 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Exeter Animal Hospital 660 Main Street. Exeter (kt. 2. 2004 - 9:00 am -12:00 pm Thames Road Veterinary Clink 67 Thames Rd., Exeter Sept. 29. 2004 - 3:00 pm -7:00 pm These low cost Clinics provide Rabies Vaccination only. No other treatment will be available. PROTECT YOUR PET AND YOUR FAMILY - HELP CONTROL THE SPREAD OF RABIES VIRUS. Tis¢•T.-wl-;._fib-iR T..�►i�+�T+a -s��-�'w.�s+. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, :•pt. 22, 20044 ".located ea e4ie Weane VAllUAtt 661000 ~ IERT STREET DENTURE CLINK, Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. Complete and Partial Dentures Denture Repairs Relines - Additions 482-1195 50 ALBERT STREET CLINTON tj Ontario's new free vaccines will protect kids The government of Ontario is helping kids stay safe from chicken pox and meningococcal meningitis, and helping families by adding these free vaccinations to the routine immunization schedule. Here's how it works: • Vaccines for chicken pox and meningococcal meningitis are now available for one -year-old children in Ontario born on or after September 1, 2003. • Starting in January 2005, 6 -year-olds who haven't had chicken pox can also get the vaccine, as well as high-risk people of any age. • Also starting in January 2006, 12 -year-olds, 16- to 19-yearolds and high-risk people of any age will be eligible for free meningococcal meningitis vaccinations. For more information, talk to your doctor or local public health unit. Call 1-877-284-4848. TTY 1-800.887-5559. or visit HealthyOntario.com. icicle pansies OPEN Monday - Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm PERENNIAL SALE continues Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Plant Bulbs Now for a Beautiful Spring! Tulips, Daffodils, Crocus, Allium a selection as varied as the Flowers in Spring -choose from your traditional favorites to the the exotics! ICICLE PANSIES ARE HERE!!! Choose your GARDEN MUMS from a panoramic array of colours & sizes We grow fields of them - come and see! dosed Sundays 74101 Bronson Line Zunch Watch for our Signs on Hwy 83 West of Zurich - East of St. Joseph 519-565-2122 www.huron-ridge.on.ca #ihlI11e uron ACRES ill Air "Greenouse plantsrei'u growers since 1973" Want al FREE oil chang Join the TMP Oil Change Club! Buy 3 oil changes and you'll get the 4th oil change Free! With each service Oil Change Club Members also receive... FREE 25 Point Inspection FREE Exterior Wash FREE Interior Vacuum Aft OIL CHANGE CLUB MEMBERS OIL CHANGE $2495* Includes chassis lube, oil replacement with up to 5 litres of Quaker State 10W30 premium motor oil, oil filter replacement. 'For most domestic cars and Tight trucks (excludes diesel engines) LIMITED TIME OFFER ff.!.--L1e OTOR PRODUCTS AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE forth 527-229' EY) Ontario