The Rural Voice, 1981-07, Page 39ii
PERTH COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS' NEWS
Even established producers feel pinch
BY HANS FELDMANN
Federal Stabilization: The federal stabilization program
evolved into controversy and conflict when the Federal
Government announced the program will deny payment to
producers in some provinces and reduce payment in other
provinces by the amount received from provincial plans.
In Ontario $3.63 is to be subtracted from the S8.96 federal
subsidy for the first 1600 hogs of producers enrolled in the
provincial weaner pig program. How this will work out for pigs
sold by weaner producers to feeder nien is not quite clear. The
Ontario Provincial Government initiated the weaner pig
Stabilization program after Ontario producers complained about
unfair competition from Quebec producers. who were expanding
production with the help of provincial subsidies. To add insult to
injury, all Quebec producers are to receive the full federal
subsidy even though Quebec has a sow - weaner plan similar to
that of Ontario.
Ontario Producers are tied into a five-year contract with the
province, which they entered into only with the clear
understanding that the provincial subsidy would be in addition to
the federal plan. The federal program was put on hold after the
government met with a storm of protest from the various
marketing boards. provincial governments and the opposition
agriculture critic.
The OPPMB feels the reduction is unfair, and in a meeting
with Whelan June 4 explained its point of view. Whelan agreed
to a further meeting June 14 between federal ministry officials,
officials in charge of the provincial plan and representatives of
the OPPMB to resolve the issue.
Bill Jarvis, MP for Perth, when contacted in Ottawa, said it is
the opinion of the Opposition that the action of the government is
illegal. The Opposition voiced that opinion in Parliament.
Economic Crisis: Although producers have experienced
periods of low prices at various times in the past. rarely were
these times of low prices paralleled by rapid rises in input costs
and interest rates, as they are today. Even established producers
are feeling the pinch.
A number of groups of individuals and some county
associations began to demand that some system of supply
management be instituted. This is coupled with some apparent
pressure by Whelan, who seems to favour supply management
for beef and hog production. Often people talking quotas are not
quite aware of the complexity of the issue and the possible
consequences to the industry.
Only a few people have come out openly in favour of supply
management. It is hard to tell if they are a minority or the tip of
the proverbial ice berg.
1 questioned a number of producers on the issue. Most feel
that with ever larger capital investment required. the industry
needs more financial stability. People are somewhat reluctant,
however, to become locked into a rigid quota system with the
possible need to reduce production.
There is a danger that a poorly thought out system may be
promoted arising out of a panic situation or for the sake of
political expediency.
The Perth county association will consider holding a public
meeting on the market situation. The OPPMB has initiated a
marketing study as explained in the following news release:
At a recent O.P.P.M.B. Annual Meeting in March, the
delegate body rejected (by the narrow margin of 108 to 103) a
resolution that called for a study of supply management for the
pork industry. However. since that time economic conditions
have worsened and there is much agitation from some County
Associations and other groups to re -open the topic.
The Board of Directors of the O.P.P.M.B. recognizes that the
pork industry in Ontario is dynamic, but also subject to change.
There are many new and varied forces that are now influencing
its course, threatening its future, and determining how both
producers and consumers respond.
Although there is little doubt that the present system of
marketing, revised and constantly improved over the last twenty
years, is serving the Ontario producers well, there is certainly an
indication that circumstances warrant a critical look at the
present situation. To be specific, it would seem to be an
appropriate time for study. In respect to supply, price and
marketing methods, the scope of this study should include a look
at other systems of marketing and the involvement of
government programs.
To this end, the Board of the O.P.P.M.B. has approved the
establishment of a broadly based industry (not Board) committee
with the view of preparing an information and background
document to aid the industry in determining the future course of
action it should take. This committee, under the direction of
Professor Gordon Bowman, from the University of Guelph, will
be charged with presenting a fact-finding report to the board
before the next Annual Meeting, and a preliminary report at the
Semi -Annual Meeting in October.
In other news, the board is preparing to answer criticism over
the rejection of a resolution from the annual meeting. It will be
made public in the next issue.
The Agri -Crew is available again this year. For further
information contact the OMAF office in Stratford at 271-0280.
Centralia hosts rural women
Be sure to circle August 28/29 on your
calendar — those are the dates an-
nounced by Conestoga College and
Centralia College for a conference they
are co -sponsoring for the women living in
the rural area they serve. Titled "Women
in the 80's—Where Are We Going?",
this will be the first endeavour of its kind
in this area. The conference expects to
attract anyone interested in an op-
portunity to expand their knowledge and
awareness of the position of women as it
relates to the law, religion, the workforce,
the home etc. The opening will feature a
Wine and Cheese Reception followed by
workshops and a final plenary session on
the particular needs of women living in
rural communities.
THE RURAL VOICE/JULY 1981 PG. 37