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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News-Record, 1987-04-01, Page 271 Jack Liddell wants rural Ontario preserved It is the government's responsibility to preserve the fabric of rural Ontario. That is what, Jack Riddell, Huron Mid- dlesex MPP and Minister of Agriculture and Food, told members of the Seaforth, Tuckersmith and McKillop Liberal Associa- tion at an organization meeting Thursday night, in Seaforth. "We're caught in a crossfire between trade war with the United States and economics. There are rich subsidies in the the US and Europe and we're finding it dif- ficult to compete with them, but we have to. If we lose this generation of farmers, it will be difficult to replace them." Mr. Riddell said measures have to be taken to ensure that the farmers of today stay on the farm. Approximately 60 subsidy programs have been put in place. Urban persons, he said, can become farmers, but he added, the conversion is not a simple task. "The city person can come out to the farm, and take it up as a career, but he'll be in for a bit of a surprise. He may have gone to agricultural college but probably hasn't had the opportunity to have practical ex- perience. There's a big difference between theory and practical," he said. Mr. Riddell pointed out that unless the agricultural picture is buoyant, everybody suffers. "So if I can entice an industry to come in that is compatible with rural Ontario then that is what I'll endeavor to do, so these farmers can obtain jobs and not have to leave the farm." As proof of his concern Mr. Riddell said he is attempting to establish a legislativercom- rnittee that will travel the province, discuss rural affairs and find out what the province can do to improve things in that part of the country. In reference te,,,free trade Mr. Riddell said there are very mixed signals coming out of Ottawa. At first the federal government was emphatic about protecting the marketing boards at all costs, and said they would not be on the bargaining table. Now, he said, they have been on the table, and the statements coming out of Ottawa are simply that 'we have a good system and should pro- tect that system'. "They're not emphatic any more," said Mr. Riddell. Mr. Riddell said there is also talk that there will be no more tariffs, or controls at the border. "If that's the case then the marketing boards are as good as done anyway," said Mr. Riddell. "You can't have the present marketing board system unless you also have the im- port and export control." But, Mr. Riddell added, he can't believe Mulroney would alienate the Ontario and Quebec farmer, by implementing free trade. "Studies show, that in Ontario anyway, the losses would far exceed the gains. "But until we can pin John Wise down, and get him to say he's not going to trade away marketing boards, then it's real frustration on the part of the farmers, who don't know what they should be doing - buy- ing or selling their quotas." Helping each other to help themselves Farm families are facing pretty tough times in today's economic climate in agriculture. Families are questioning their future and just what they should be doing. This is a very unsettling period for families. Many feel isolated and are unsure of who to turn to for support. Having so- meone to talk to who is -going through a similar situation can be very helpful. Self help groups are designed to provide just the support you need. Ideally, a self help group is made up of in- dividuals who voluntarily form a group bas- ed on their common experiences and needs. In this case, it would be other farm families going through a stressful, financial time. As part of a group of about 10-12 people, you could share with each other your own ex- periences, frustrations and fears. By doing so, you can learn how others may have coped with the situation. Just the support of knowing someone else who is having an equally difficult time, can help you through this trying period. The On- tario Ministry of Agriculture and Food has prepared a kit on how to start a self-help group. Topics covered include, How To Get Started, The First Meeting, Learning Your Resources, Leadership Guidelines, Keeping Members Involved, and more. If you are interested in starting a self help group or in belonging to one, you should con- tact Dennis Martin, the self help contact for Huron County. Phone 482-3428 or 1-800-265-5170 to make an appointment. Course covers hiring employees The Working Together Better course on March 24 was attended by six farm employers. The course covered such topics as hiring, interviewing made easy, tips on selecting a good employee, communica- tions, good working relationships, handling conflict, and job motivation. The par- ticipants ranged from an orchard operator who has up to 18 employees to a dairy farmer who hires seasonable part-time CLINTON NEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987 --Page 7A help. Richard Hamilton and Cheryl Brine, Rural Organization Specialists with the On- tario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF 1 presented the course in Clinton. Family Members As Wage Earners and Paying Wages to Farm Employees are two informative OMAF factsheets recommend- ed for farm employers. They are available from the Clinton OMAF office. Euchre season is over CLINTON - The last euchre party for the season was held on March 25 in the St. .Joseph's Hall. The results were: ladies' high, Phyllis AldwinckLe�,.. men's high, EGelyn Christensen: ladies'Tow, Margaret Middleton; men's low, Agnes Carbert: ladies' lone hands, Rita Flynn: men's lone hands, Alma Jewitt. Dean Aldwinckle was the lucky chair win- ner and Ernie Brown was the door prize winner. The Knights of Columbus wish to thank everyone who participated during the season. With all the nice weather Clinton experienced last week, many children were out taking in some fresh air. At the community park on March 28, Daniel, (left), Bradley and Melissa Wright enjoyed themselves climbing on the equipment. (Anne Narejko photo) mtxiipwiic SERIES 3000 PROFE. 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