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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-12-18, Page 3Wednesday, December 18, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 3 Harper Government proposes changes to support agricultural sector growth through modernization last week, the (;over►nllellt of Canada introduced a new bill that will stimulate investment and innovation in Canada's agriculture sector and give Canadian farmers more tools to compete and thrive In world markets and at home. The Agricultural Growth Act will increase farmer' access to new crop vari- eties, enhance trade opportunities and the safety of agricultund products, reduce red tape and contribute to Canada's over- all economic growth. "Ourgovenuuent is committed to sup- ,C;Ing Canada's farmers and our world- . 7 . agriculture industry so they can remain competitive in world markets," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Armed with the latest science, tools and practices, our agriculture sector will con- tinue to be an important driver of Cana- da's economy:" Among the key changes being pro- posed in this bill are amendments to the Plant Breeders' Rights Act (PIM Act) to align with the International t inion for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (L JPOV'91) which would update Canada's legislation from the outdated tJPOV'78 framework. The amendments would include Farmer's Privilege which allows farmers to use seeds from the crops they grow. Strengthening the intellectual property rights for plant breeding in Canada will encourage investment in Canadian research and development. That will give Canadian farmers more access to new and innovative seed varieties, which could enhance crop yield, improve disease and drought mslstance, and sleet specific glo- bal trade demands. 'Ib help (aanadian fanners benefit from the latest scientific research from around the world, the bill also provides the Cana- dian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) with to enhance safety. The bill also amends the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act (AMPA) and the Farm Debt Mediation Act (FDMA).'The proposed changes are designed to: • Simplify delivery and ease access to the Advance Payments Program for producers; • Allow for multi-year advance guaran- tee agreements and repayment agree- ments with administrators improving delivery; • Expand the use of cash repayments; • Provide greater flexibility and options for what will be accepted as security allowing producers to secure larger advances; • Provide greater flexibility allowing breeding animals to be eligible under the program; • Adjust the rules related to the repayment of advances, producers in default, default penalties and stays of default; • Expedite processing under the Farm Debt Mediation Act giving producers quicker resolutions. These amendments follow extensive consultations with producers and industry and will be cost -neutral for the industry. Bev Shipley the authority to consider foreign reviews, data and analyses during the approval or registration of new agricultural products in Canada, allowing for a more effective approvals process. "Agriculture worldwide is evolving in response to growing global populations and demand," said Bev Shipley, MI' for l.ambton-Kent-Middlesex and Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri -Food. "Knowing that, our gov- ernment will continue to provide better tools and services to help (atnadian farm- ers prosper on world markets and serve the needs of Canadians." The Act includes a new licensing and registration regime for animal feed and fertilizer operators and establish- ments, increased monetary penalties for violations, stronger controls for agricul- tural products at the border and require- ments for more stringent record keeping 111111111111mmill Heartland !ROYAL WAGS !,!!!i!tY• +r sf + r.N www.rlphcartland.ca al Lynda Milkman-Rapley Lakeshore Advance Junior Achievement dollars The Grand Bend Community Foundation is pleased to be able to offer a grant this year to support Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario. Through the Grant, Grade 8 students at the Grand Bend and Thedford schools will receive the Junior Achievement's Economics for Success program. The program teaches grade 8 youth about budgeting to live on their own and within their means, interview do's and dont's, how to fill in a job application and looking up to their role models to help them on their successful journey through their career. Youth with Junior Achievement training have a better understanding of what will be required of them financially after post secondary school thus making them better prepared for the workforce and our communities. The volunteers also benefit from teaching programs by having the opportunity to obtain the materials from Junior Achievement, being trained in the program and then teaching the program in the classroom setting. This grows their presentation skills and allows them to make a difference in their community. In the photo from the foundation are Hank Winters (back), (I -r) Judy MacDonald, Penny Nelligan, Shirley Andraza, David Campbell and Stephanie Donaldson. From Junior Achievement is Becky Krukowski and Grand Bend principal Anne Keeley. Merry Christmas As another year comes to a close, 1 would like to thank you for your patronage, and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2014! Jackie It'sn yme sLA,0i,A1 6111' ` IR)M1.ULCUR • ?kn..* 54 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend 519-238-5612 $497-1::-BLU'VV/ATER \w'OL• ..A -.AMM\ /We/ HEEL.. 2001 MUNICIPALITY OF BLUEWATER Christmas Tree Recycling Sponsored by Bluewater Recycling Association Residents may drop off their Christmas trees at the following locations for chipping: Hcnmell - Richmond St. West Zurich - Parking lot at the rear of the Community Centre Bayfield - Howard St. East in front of yard fence Trees shall be free of all decorations. The final drop off day is January IOth, 2014. Dave Koster Manager of Public Works 519-236-4351 x221 !Farm J