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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-09-10, Page 40PAGE 8B--GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1986 Farm Falling farm incomes o ic discussed t ministers conference As I had indicated in my column last week, I was fortunate to represent Ontario at the Federal -Provincial Agricultural Minister's conference held in Vancouver the last week of August. It was the second time I have been able to voice Ontario's concerns at this national forum, and many veteran observers of the 1986 conference remarked that it was the best ever. Among the many issues that were discuss- ed by the ten provinces and the Federal Agriculture Minister were trade issues, fall- ing farm incomes and aframework for a na- tional agricultural development strategy. The Ministers acknowledged the severe damage to Canadian farm incomes created by the subsidy wars between the United States and the European ,Economic Com- munity in international agricultural com- modity markets. This trade war is reducing Canadian farm income by billions of dollars. They supported the need to examine all options,including deficiency payments which could be in excess of one billion dollars, to maintain the competitive position of Canadian producers in the immediate future. There was a clear, collective com- mitment to take action to support the agricultural sector and all the jobs it represents across Canada during this damaging trade war. The Ministers agreed to have a specific proposal to deal with this farm income shortfall ready for the First Ministers' trade meeting on September 17th. While Ministers agreed that short-term action such as deficiency payments would ease current farm cash-flow problems, longer-term initiatives are needed' to im- prove the profitability of the food and ' agriculture industry. Agreement in principle was reached on many elements of a national agriculture and food strategy to accomplish this goal. To complete the strategy, Ministers instructed their officials to incorporate proposals resulting from discussions of the last two days. The strategy, which is the culmination • of co-operative federal -provincial efforts over the past ten months, will be presented to the First Ministers' Conference in Van- couver later this fall. Key policy areas covered by the strategy include: farm finance, disaster relief, research and technology transfer, agricultural and food products •trade, soil and water conservation and agricultural development. The strategy is based on a full recognition that the jurisdiction and responsibility 'Mr the agri-food sector is shared between the federal and provincial governments. Ministers discussed at length and confirmed the need for greater regional equity when implementing national agricultural support programs. The Ministers also discussed farm financ- ing problems, noting that both levels of government had introduced measures over the past few months to reduce interest rates on farm- loans, to- protect farmers facing foreclosure actions and to lower farm input costs. Ministers agreed on the desirability of enhancing the role bf the Farm Credit Cor- poration. Federal Agriculture Minister John ' Wise said reducing the FCC interest rates to 9.0% was an option to be considered. Mr. Wise agreed to continued consultation with his provincial colleagues on the implemen- tation of Farm Debt Review Boards and the ,Canadian Rural Transition Program. The provincial ministers requested that the federal government consider increasing Feed Freight Assistance rates. • In spite of economic difficulties in the agri-food sector, the Ministers expressed confidence that the food and agriculture in - QUEEN'S PARK dustry will continue to strengthen and to build on its already significant contribution to the Canadian economy. The agri-food inT dustry generates more than $50 billion in an- nual sales, employs about 12 percent of the nation's work force and adds between $2.9 and $4.5 billion to Canada's yearly trade balance. RABIES VACCINE DROP Constituents are once again reminded that, as in the past two years, the Ministry of Natural Resources will be dropping 15,300 baits containing liquid rabies vaccine for wild foxes in the area bounded by the townships of Hullett, Goderich', Stanley, Col- borne, and Tuckersmith. In addition the area has been expanded to include McKillop Township. Previous tests have indicated this method is successful and this year's test will utilize a stronger, longer -lasting vaccine. The baits are marked with warning labels, and residents are asked not to touch them. I am pleased with the Ministry's continu- ing efforts to control the spread of rabies in the fox population and can assure residents the bait will be dropped away from human Advertising helpsjobs. obs. CANADIAN ADVERTISING FOUNDATION Why "Weight" Any Longer Join COUNT DOWN Weight Loss & Weight .Control With our incredible half price—offer. Now to the end of September. Only $4. to join and $4. weekly fees. We meet every Wednesday 9:30A:M.&7:30PM. St. Georges Anglican Church Nelson Street, Goderich No Penalties for weeks missed. Free Registration for anyone presently registered with any other weight control group. What have you got to lose? For further Information Call Kincardine Count Down Office 396-7005 habitation. The vaccine is safe should ac- cidental contact occur with pets or humans, but should not be considered an adequate immunizing agent of one of the baits is eaten by a pet. New jobs, new methods of production and increased investment in the Ontario economy will come about as a result of two recent announcements by Premier David Peterson and Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Hugh O'Neil. General Motors of Canada and Suzuki Motor Company of Japan will be partners in a joint venture to build a $500 million auto plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. This venture will create 2,000 direct new jobs in Ontario. When the plant is operating at full capacity, it will be able to produce 120,000 small cars and 80,000 sport utility vehicles for distribu- tion in Canada and the United States: Pro- duction is scheduled to begin in 1989. In Collingwood, another joint venture will establish a world-class aluminum wheel casting plant that will supply North American auto firms and create up to 350 jobs. Industry, Trade and Technology Minister O'Neil said this $45 million invest- ment is being undertaken jointly by Magna Intenational Inc. of Markham and the West German firm of Lemmerz International and will create 350 jobs. The Ontario Liberal Government is providing $8.1 million in the form of an eight year loan that is forgivable if certain investment and job creation goals are met. Twin City School ®f Hairstyling Waterloo, Ont. ®Hairstyling *Barbering ©Ear Piercing Make-up 55 Erb St. East 886-6305 "a' +`��, Monday to"'Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm • knwimi 00010 Otrintior moot . . COMPLETE SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATION OF POOLS & SPAS 234 Main St.N. Seaforth 527-010y Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Venturers 3rd Goderich at Knox Presbyterian Church on Thursday, September 11, 1986 7:00 p.m. sharp FEE: $20?0 PARENTS MUST ACCOMPANY THEIR SON(S). You Can peal With Confidence When You DeliverYou Your 1986 White Bean Crop to Ken R. Campbell & Sons Ltd., Seaforth Howson & Howson Ltd., Blyth, Ontario Palmerston Elevators Ltd. Bar' =.B - Dee Farms, RR 1 Bornholm are also white bean receiving satellites for Thompson's We want and appreciate your business Hyland Augusta Seed Wheat Hyland " Howser Seed Wheat Cert. Monopol Red Winter Wheat Be sure you buy Blue Tag Seed Only This assures you of "Certified" #1 Seed for "Purity" - "Quality" and "Top Yields." Any other facsimile is not the same. Available only at Thompson's or a Hyland Dealer Also there is Cert. #1 Fredrick seed wheat. "For larger growers" wishing Certified seed in Bulk we can supply. Please order ahead. ALL SEED IS TREATED WITH VITAFLO " 280" - Custom Fertilizer Spreading - Soil Sampling Service ® Computerized Reports - Recommendations from a Qualified Staff For purity, top germination, disease free Sow only Certified Hyland Seed Hensall 262-2527 9 E A; Mitchell 348-8433 1 GRAINS FEEDS SEEDS FERYI'b12EIE • Seaforth 345-2545 Pt. Albert 529.7901 ANNA Craig 293-3223 Grant on 225-2360 •