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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2006-06-14, Page 3News The Huron Expositor • June 14 , 2006 Page 3 Farmers plan new rallies later this month Ben Forrest 11111111111111111111111 Huron County farmer Bev Hill was among those who met in Guelph on Monday to discuss demonstrations that aim to raise awareness of the current plight of grain and oilseed producers. Hill was among those who protested at Queen's Park on the same issue in March and at the National Grocers food terminal in Cambridge in April. The demonstrations discussed this week will likely take place in Ottawa at food distribution centres and fuel distribution centres between June 28 and 30, Hill said. There will also be farmers circu- lating at the Parliament buildings during Canada Day celebrations, he said. "We're concerned that there's .a misconception by the public that the support that was announced for __Canadian agriculture in the most recent federal budget would suggest that . the problem has been dealt with, and that's far from the case," Hill said in an interview just fol- lowing Monday's meeting. Hill said that although the federal government announced $1.5 billion in funding in its 2006 budget, only about $950 million has been "allo- cated for cash distribution to vari- ous segments of agriculture." Of that, Ontario farmers will receive about $300 million, with the possibility that the sum will be pro- rated down to $150 million if there isn't enough money to go around, Hill said. "It's estimated, then, that grain and oilseed (producers) will share about $35-40 million," he said. Hill said in a separate interview conducted last week that the funds promised will be distributed through the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) pro- gram — - a program he say; is widely considered to be flawed. - He said the current federal gov- ernment campaigned on a promise to eliminate the CAIS program. Hill also said that Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl had promised that support would reach the hands of farmers in time to plant this year's crop. "It's estimated that this newly announced support program may find its way into the hands of farm- ers by fall," Hill claimed. Times are difficult -for Ontario farmers in part because they must deal with competition from American farmers whose- surpluses are frequently imported into the province, Hill said. American farmers are provided economic incentives "to produce more of what the United States has too much of, particularly corn," he said. According to Hill, U.S.-based farmers are in essence guaranteed a minimum price for their produce, and Ontario farmers seek a pro- gram that would provide a similar benefit. The Risk Management Plan (RMP), as it's called, would allow farmers to pay a premium that would guarantee them a certain price for their crops. In the event that market prices dip below that minimum price, government fund- ing would make up the difference. "The RMP addresses the prob- lem," Hill said. "It addresses the current problem and future prob- lems. Until the problem is addressed, we're going to . be demonstrating every time we have depressed prices." .Hill went on to say that in 1995 1.4 per cent of the Ontario budget went to agriculture, whereas now it is only 0.7 per cent. "If that was increased to 0.9 per cent, the problem would be fixed," he said. The Ottawa demonstrations will include farmers. from Quebec, Central Ontario and Eastern Ontario, though perhaps none from Huron County, Hill said. Similar demonstrations will likely be held in southwestern Ontario at the same time, however, and Hill expects Huron County farmers will be involved in them. Head Office Exeter, ON NOM 1S1 235-0350 • Est. 1876 Residential Farm &Commercial Properties DIRECTORS & ADJUSTERS Jos Chaffs, R.R. 5 Mitchell 348.9705 Tom Feeney, R.R. 2 Dublin 3452947 Larry Ginner, R.R. 2 Staffs 345-287S Jack Hodgert, R.R. 1 Kirkton_ 229-8152 *heel O'$Irs, R.R. 3 Granton 2252800 mitt! srs, R.R. 2 St. Pauls 393.8548 Warns Maver Exner 235.1915 David Moore Dubin 345-2512 Jason Win Mitchel 341-1012 Barb Word Staffs 345.2777 �M. The power to �-- is in your hana: 6.40 Look for energy-saving coupons at participating. retailers Conserving energy around your home is all about watching your kilowatts. The Conservation Bureau and Festival Hydro Inc. want to help you get started. Enjoy big savings on energy-efficient products like ENERGY STAR® qualified Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs and ceiling fans. 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