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The Rural Voice, 1982-01, Page 6Impressions of the OFA Convention by Adrian Vos The OFA convention began with a shock. After the president's reception on Monday night, Grant Wallace, the affable staff member for the OFA insurance programs, and who was known to many members for his prior involvement with membership and leadership training, died suddenly. He will be hard to replace, both because of his knowledge of farm politics and for his human charm. When sessions commenced on Tuesday morning the tile drain loan program was thoroughly discussed. With so many municipal councillors on the floor, the information supplied was factual and accurate. What galled many members was the gradual erosion of the program, a program which costs the government very little, as farmers are faithful in repaying the loans. While the government points to restraints in spending and allotted only $28.5 million while at least $40 million is needed, the meeting asked the minister to increase the loans to 75 per cent of need. The committee involved pointed out that the actual cost to the government is only $7 million in interest assistance. When discussion touched on the sensi- tive question of interest rates of the FCC. there seemed to be a note of quiet desperation. It has become a political question and president Ralph Barrie said: The more I learn about politics, the less I like them. And John van Beers, a Huron county delegate remarked it seems that the federation asks every year for a level of interest rates that were rejected the previous year as being too high. The question of compulsory OFA membership which had been resting for several years, came back into the discussions. and the same arguments used previously defeated the attempt. Reasons against: Compulsory member- ship makes the organization lose clout; if shared with other organizations it will strengthen the rival NFU; it will give government a chance to butt in; and it would cause division in the farm commun- ity. Reasons for: Everyone benefits from OFA work and money, so everyone should pay. A Huron County proposal to increase PG. 4 THE RURAL VOICE/JANUARY 1982 On the convention floor membership fees by $20 to $70 a year was agreed upon. Initially the request was for an increase to $80 a year. but some delegates thought even $70 was too high and the $70 was a compromise. It is expected this increase. to come into effect in 1982, will hold the line on the debt. now at just over $200,000. The agruments against fee increases were the same as advanced during the last increase, now several years ago, and mainly by the same delegates. They claimed it will cause the loss of many members. The proponents countered by pointing out that the present membership is the highest ever at close to 26,000. Huron delegate John Stafford said: If we are to have a viable organization we will need $100, but let's settle for less and make do. As could be expected. most delegates were incensed at the decision by the Ontario government to enter into private business by its purchase of part of Suncor, and by limiting its agricultural budget to a mere one per cent. This especially bothered members because all other Canadian provinces have grant and assistance programs in place to help their agricultural sector. [Photo by S. Gunby] The proposal from the Environment Committee on the implementation of an "Agricultural Development and Protec- tion Act", was passed after much discussion. This act will ensure that a farmer is not unfairly prosecuted for problems inherent in a farming operation, such as dust. noise and odour. Investigations into complaints will be carried out by farmers and these farmers will make recommendations to the agricul- tural minister. This board of farmers will also be charged with enforcing their own recom- mendations. To give farmers more protection against encroachment by non -farmers on agricul- tural land, agricultural reserves are proposed. This could only be done in areas where there is an official plan. The residents of an area desiring to be protected will have to sign a petition to the Minister of Agriculture and Food. It must be carried by the majority of landowners who must together own 50 per cent of the land, or by a minority owning 66 per cent of the land. Once approved, a reserve would remain in place for at least ten years.