The Rural Voice, 1978-12, Page 43o the editor:
Farmers should question
marketing boards
An article "Opinion(ated)" in the
previous issue of the Rural Voice protests
O.F.A. interest in the issue of marketing
board quotas.
Mr. Vos echoes the sentiment expressed
by some of the other marketing board•
representatives at the Huron Federation of
Agriculture meeting. That sentiment was
a) that there was nothing wrong with
present quota values b) that boards using
supply management and therefore quotas,
had a committee looking into the matter, c)
it is a marketing board problem and the
O.F.A. should stay out of it.
Their objection to OFA interest sur-
prised me because OFA had 'not criticized
the present system. OFA simply asked its
members their opinion of the present
system. The resentment of some marketing
board representatives reminded me of the
old quotation, "Me thinks thee doth
protest too much."
01-A has the right and the responsibility
to criticize the policies of farm organ-
izations - if and when criticism is
warranted. After all. these same organ-
izations expect O.F.A. to support them and
their policies when they are in trouble.
Shouldn't they also expect advice—if
advice is needed?
O.F.A. criticizes and advises Govts.,
Govt. departments and committees, pri-
vate business, consumer groups, and other
organizations. Why should it refrain from
criticizing specialized farm organizations—
especially if their policy contains a threat to
farmers generally?
Over the years O.F.A. has convinced
society and govts. that marketing boards
were necessary if farmers are to get decent
returns for their produce. O.F.A. has
convinced society and govt. that if the
necessary legislation were provided. the
marketing boards that would follow would
use that legislation fairly and wisely.
O.F.A. has an obligation to see that is
done.
Marketing board members are dedicated
capable business men. respected by their
neighbours who have selected them to
represent their interests. Their job has
been a difficult one, especially under
recent scrutiny by consumer advocates.
They have the experience and the
knowledge to resolve the matter of quota
values.
Farmer interest would be best served if
marketing board members would resolve
the matter rather than question the interest
of their best friend.
Sincerely,
Gordon L. Hill
CO.OP
The
growing wail
of CO-OP corn
S259
The most exciting early
hybrid developed for
Ontario farms in years/large
ear with deep thick kernels/
unbeatable grain quality/
dries down rapidty on a green
stalk/Excellent for grain or
early silage production.
M263
Stalk strength to spare/
produces golden upright ear
well up on medium height
plant/excellent seedling
vigor/high test weight/dual
purpose for grain or silage.
262
This robust plant has
excellent stalk quality for
high standability/the large
ear is remarkably even for
a double cross/An excellent
choice for high energy
silage or as a dual purpose
hybrid for grain as well.
S265
An outstanding single cross
continues to lead *5e field
for top quality grainy
production/stalk stays green
while ears dry down rapidly/
fat cob of yellow com gives
very high test weight grain/
makes great silage as well.
CO
VCO UNITED CO-OPERATIVES OF ONTARIO
BELGRAVE BRANCH
"Mac"
'.Aoua.
t
Belgrave Ontario
1
Winghom 357-2711 Brussels 887-6153
THE RURAL VOICE/DECEMBER 1978 PG. 43