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The Citizen, 2015-09-03, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015. By Don McCabe, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture With regulations now in place limiting the use of neonics on corn and soybean crops in Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has continued to hold fast on an important task. We are committed to working closely with government and industry to achieve a comprehensive pollinator strategy that includes all considerations for improving pollinator health. This past Tuesday, a Pollinator Health Action Plan Forum was organized by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The OFA was there to assist in constructing a comprehensive pollinator health strategy to encompass managed bees and wild pollinators in all of Ontario. Other ministries included in the participants were the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Roughly 30 groups in total made up of other farm organizations, academic institutions, and non- government organizations (NGOs) began facilitated discussions about the actions needed to improve pollinator health in Ontario. Following a presentation by Dr. Nigel Raine, Pollinator Conservation Chair at the University of Guelph on current pollinator research and health issues, Kelly McAslan from OMAFRA gave a description of the broad elements in Ontario’s Pollinator Health Strategy. The three areas of the strategy include a Pollinator Health Action Plan, Financial Assistance to Beekeepers and the new regulation under the Pesticides Act that apply to neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds. From the beginning of the pollinator health discussions, the OFA has been at the table and pushed for a comprehensive strategy that considers the full list of nine key stressors that have been identified as playing a role in pollinator health: bee genetics, habitat loss, nutrition, disease and predators, climate change and impact of weather, and exposure to pesticides used in hive management and in crop production. These stressors were the centre point of our initial submission to government on its Pollinator Health discussion paper submitted in May, 2015. OMAFRA will lead the development of the Pollinator Health Action Plan. This action plan will encompass habitat and nutrition, diseases, pests and genetics, climate change and weather, and pesticide exposure. The forum allowed the participants to comment directly on the first three of the areas just mentioned to begin the consultation on these areas. The forum also served as an opportunity to learn about current government programs in place, and to network with possible partners to strengthen the outcome of the future plan. The need for clear communication on the issues was evident. Minister Leal brought remarks to close the forum and was clear on his mandate to deliver on a comprehensive strategy. The OFA will continue to advocate for and represent the interests of our members who represent a broad swath of Ontario agriculture. We won’t consider our work to be complete until there is a comprehensive strategy in place to address pollinator health that works for all farmers in the province. OFA continues work on pollinator health strategy Bus Safety Tips Special thanks to our sponsors Have a safe school year! Remain seated while riding bus! from Optimist Club of Brussels Blyth Lions Club Visit us on our Facebook Page Welcome back students!Remember your bus safety rules! Brussels Legion Branch 218 Blyth Legion Branch 420 Listen to your bus driver! Show respect for your driver & other riders! Set a good example! Auburn & District Lions Club Always check for traffic! Keep aisles clear on bus Brussels Lions Club Stand safely away from traffic Bauer Farms dealer for Maizex Seeds Belgrave Kinsmen Howson & Howson Ltd. Blyth 519-523-4241 Flour Mill Use handrail when boarding! Don’t push or shove! 519-887-8253 Office brettandlaura@plantpioneer.com Do not enter or leave bus while it’s moving Brussels Leo Club New Members Welcome! Ages 12 to 18 • Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency. • Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together. • At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the hand rail. • Do not cross the centre line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking. • Stay away from the bus’s rear wheels at all times. • Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street. • Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter. • When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away from the bus. • Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus. • Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it’s okay to approach. • Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out! • When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed. Never put head, arms or hands out of the window. Brett & Laura Fischer BLYTH BUILDING SUPPLIES LIMITED Gary, Chris & Family 208 HAMILTON ST., PO BOX 190, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0 PHONE: 519-523-9306 • FAX: 519-523-9305 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4551 Londesborough Lions Club Be on time!