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The Rural Voice, 1979-11, Page 18The Voice of a Farmer by Adrian Vos European farmers have learned to be tough Twenty-one years ago European farmers organized to form an international organization with the objective of presenting a united viewpoint within the then new European Economic Community (EEC). When the EEC agreement was signed in 1958. the number of paragraphs dealing with agriculture was a good indication of the regard in which the agricultural community was held. Of the 248 articles of the agreement a mere ten dealt with agriculture. The latest round of negotiations between the EEC countries shows clearly what a united organization can accomplish. In 1979. 90 per cent of all the new international laws and regulations and 75 per cent of the budget dealt with European agriculture. We have all heard the shrill cries from the American agricultural movement for parity prices and we have often scoffed at their methods as being crude. But they may have better insight than many of the more conservative farm leaders who still are begging for more understanding. French farmers were not averse, in 1977, to blocking the unloading of shiploads of beef from Argentina, because they claimed it ruined their domestic beef market. European farmers were not afraid of public opinion when they took full manure spreaders into Brussels for demonstrations against low prices. The methods may not be pleasing to us, but in Europe high food prices are nevertheless accepted by consumers. Also accepted is the notion that farmers should have a decent income from decent working hours like anybody else in society. EEC consumers agree that barriers against imports from over here are needed to give their farmers these decent prices. They may grumble that the mountain of overproduced butter is sold to the Russians at firesale prices. but they go along with that too, because their own income has also kept pace with inflation. Our farmers have mostly been on the defense, waiting for some big -city editorial writer, who knows nothing of farm economics. to attack farm prices. The result has been that part of the public has become antagonistic to farmers. Sure, farm leaders will say, reassuringly, that surveys indicate that the anger of consumers is directed against the undefined middleman. But what are the attacks on food prices and the frequent calls for a specific food boycott other than attacks on farmers, albeit disguised? Let's be realistic. The consumer doesn't care about the income of farmers, and rightly so. Farmers don't care about the manufacturers of equipment they buy either. No matter what governments say about farm income, they are primarly thinking of consumers. This explains the recent interest and concern about keeping Canadian farmers in business. The regularily increasing cost of fuel for transportation of food may force the prices of American and Mexican produce to very high levels. What would have happened if Canadian farming had melted away for lack of government assistance has even bureaucrats scared. This scare may serve as an impetus for government to help put agriculture on the same footing as the rest of society. PG. 16 THE RURAL VOICE/NOVEMBER 1979 lPPS� Canadian Made TL.,7 Pressure Washer Choose the pressure you need: Model 600 - 750 PSI Model 800 - 1000 PSI Model 1200 - 1400 PSI Model 2000 - 2000 PSI Cleaning Power when you need it. • 4 Portable or stationary models • Well designed, well balanced for smooth quiet operation • Brass, Stainless Steel and hardened steel construction result in long life • Full Oil Bath Crankcase — Total lubrication • Self -Cleaning — Spherical Stainless Steel Valves — Valves interchangeable • Maintenance is quick and easy — All parts Accessible. ePoP5 Write for literature and specifications. C.H. EPPS Manufacturing Limited P.O. Box 610, Clinton, Ontario (519) 482-3418 SUPEkQ RECD PTPOfl WITH fl ii/M/ntH Featuring exclusive AccuMatch performance for sharpest picture and truest colour FOR PERFECTION IN RECEPTION ALSO FEATURING: Delhi Tower Sales and installation. With a full line of Boosters and Rotors in stock to suit your needs. Fr T ANTENNA Sales £t Service Brian McAshVarna Or if no answer call 482-7129 482-7157