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The Citizen, 1988-04-27, Page 32PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1988. New $1.4 million program will cut pesticide use Initiatives tocut pesticide use by 50 per cent by the year 2002 will begin this year, Ontario Agricul­ ture and Food Minister Jack Riddell announced last week. Food Systems 2002, a long- range program announced in principle by Premier David Peter­ son last fall, involves three main components: research, education and extension. During the first year of the 15-year program, $1.4 million has been allocated to hire four pest management specialists, expand the existing pesticide safety course for growers and begin research. The annual $800,000 research allocation will fund targeted stu­ dies on alternatives to pesticides and pest management programs to reduce dependence on chemicals. For example, research will look at the cost/benefit of various pest control options, the development of disease and insect-resistant plants, the most appropriate me­ thods of applying pesticides at reduced rates and control of crop-damaging insects by other insects. “Through research, we hope to reduce chemical costs to farmers by as much as $100 million annually, while sustaining crop yields. This will help keep Ontario in the forefront of safe food production and ultimately lead to a healthier environment,’’ Riddell said. A grower pesticide safety course will be fully implemented to complement the existing ministry coursefor pesticide vendors. Some growers have already taken part in a pilot project to test the contents and acceptability of the course. Also, a full-time co-ordinator for ducts for our Ontario consumers and export markets, improve our competitive position of Ontario agriculture and protect the quality of soil and water in our rural areas,” Riddell said. Jr. Farmers win with play TalbotCollege in London saw Junior Farmers from across On­ tario displaying their Cultural talents on Saturday, April 9, 1988 at the Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario’s ‘Culturama’. Culturama includes one-act plays, public speaking, poetry writing, poetry recitation, spelling bee, slide presentation, debating, and Farmers Feud. Every county is entitled to send one entry in each event. The Huron County Junior Farmers had com­ petitors in four events: one-act play, spelling bee, poetry writing, and poetry recitation. In the one-act play Huron County performed the play “Moon Up”. Actors were Rob Essery, RR 1, Centralia; Dianne vanVliet, RR 1, Walton; Robert Hunking, RR 1, Auburn; Jeff Hearn, Clinton and props and audio Paul Hoggarth, RR 1, Kippen. Jeff Hearn was winner of best actor in the competition, Rob Essery received honourable mention as best actor. The play itself received honourable Special events mention as best play and best direction. Rob Enders, Wingham, repre­ sented Huron County in the spelling bee. Linda Axtmann and Anne Alton, both of Wingham, competed in poetry recitation and poetry writing respectively. Culturama is one of many events sponsoredandorganizedby the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario for the benefit and enjoy­ ment of its members. the educational program will be hired. Under the Ontario Pesticide Education Program, during the next five years, up to 35,000 growers will be taking courses on the safe handling and application of pesticides. To assist farmers in reducing pesticide use during 1988/89, one pest managementspecialistwill be located in Clarksburg (apples), two at Centralia (rutabagas/muck vegetables; corn/cereals) and one at Vineland (greenhouse, flowers). These specialists will organize on-farm demonstrations, conduct feasibility studies, develop strate­ gies for selection and timing of pest control options, and liaise with researchers. “Through Food Systems 2002, we will be able to help growers ensure high quality of food pro- Marten Vincent elected as area ORFE DA rep At the 42nd Annual Meeting and Convention of the Ontario Retail Farm Equipment Dealers’ Asso­ ciation (O.R.F.E.D.A.) Mr. Mar- len Vincent of Vincent Farm Equipment Ltd., Seaforth was elected Area Representative of O.R.F.E.D.A. for 1988. O.R.F.E.D.A. is a non profit voluntary Provincial Association founded in 1945. O.R.F.E.D.A. is the recognized voice of the Farm Equipmient Dealers, making pre- sentations to the Provincial Government, supplying trade pu­ blications, regular Dealer bulle­ tins, conducting training semi­ nars, insurance counselling and legal representations to its mem­ bers. O.R.F.E.D.A. through its “Computer Division’’ is selling, installing and servicing Dealer in-house computer systems. O.R.F.E.D.A. is affiliated with the Canadian and National Dealers Associations. Air Spread — For a more even spread when applying NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS and POTASH See Next Week’s Paper! ^"CYANAMID FARM SUPPLY CENTRE “SERVING THOSE WHOSE BUSINESS IS AGRICULTURE” R.R. 4 CLINTON 233-3423 ANNOUNCEMENT mark minister's anniversary A re-enactment of the swearing- in of the first minister of agricul­ ture in 1888 is one of the highlights of the Monday, May 2 celebrations at the Ontario legislature to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. When Charles Drury was sworn in as agriculture minister on May 1, 1888, he became theheadofthe first separate department of agri­ culture for the Ontario govern­ ment. This event will be recreated on the stage in front of the main staircase in the Main Legislative Building atQueen’s Park at 11 a.m. on May 2. The actor portraying the minister will give a 10-minute review of conditions facing agricul­ ture in 1988. Shortly before the re-enact­ ment, a horse-drawn landau will arrive at the front steps of the legislature with the current mini­ ster, Jack Riddell; former minister Bill Stewart; Deputy Minister Clayton Switzer and Harold Drury, grandson of the first minister. Another highlight of the May 2 celebration will be the screening of a special video outlining some of the past, present, and future highlights of Ontario agriculture. Members of the public are invited tosee four showings of “century of Change” on May 2. Ontario apples and juices will be served at the screenings. Riddell will also announce the 100 winners of Ministry of Agricul­ ture and Food awards for outstand­ ing service to agriculture in the legislature on May 2. TWIN COUNTY GRAIN ELEVATOR FOR A FULL LINE OF... Agricultural Chemicals •all popular brands in stock FARM SEEDS •Seed Soybeans »Seed White Beans •Small Seed Grains Future Grain Contracting TWIN COUNTY GRAIN ELEVATOR Phone 356-2292 R.R. 3, Brussels Manager: GlenThorpe COOK’S DIVISION OF GERBRO (1987] INC. Cook’s Division of Gerbro [1987] Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of KEN IRWIN to the position of Agri-Sales Representative at our Walton Branch. Ken has a solid background in agriculture with a Bachelor of Science [Agr] degree from the University of Guelph. This appointment reflects Cook’s continued commitment to serving the needs of our customers and supplying up-to-date, useful crop input information. D rop by our Walton office - meet our new team member and discuss your farm in puts and marketing needs. Division of Gerbro (1967) Inc Where you con trade with confidence" WALTON, ONTARIO NOK 1Z0 TEL. : (519) 527-1540 (519) 887-9261