The Rural Voice, 1985-07, Page 43FARM NEWS
had heard enough complaining about
the state of agriculture that he wanted
to help solve some of the problems.
The couple's research led them to the
same results as government -funded
and independent studies. But the
Blakes' main intent was to find some
answers to the problems. They
presented their report to the Concern-
ed Farm Women and to the
Normanby Township Federation and
received good response. They have,
however, avoided being backed by
any one organization. "We choose to
stand on our own credibility," Gertie
says. She admits that they may have
to establish some of that credibility
through time.
Their answer for "restoring profit
to farming" is a theory they call
"orderly production," which is
basically a modified version of supply
management with parity pricing. For
years the term "supply management"
has been a "dirty word" to free enter-
prise farmers. The Blakes want to
avoid the prejudice this term evokes,
but they do believe in the manage-
ment of supply.
"If the words `supply manage-
ment' and `quota' scare you, try to
think of it as orderly production. It is
simply a system of producing goods
in supplies adequate to meet
demands. It's common business prac-
tice, considered by industry to be
good sense," Gertie says. "It's the
only way in which farmers can take
control over their own destinies and
protect the future of farming."
The Blakes have heard the objec-
tions to supply management pro-
grams, but they believe their idea of
orderly production answers them.
The first objection is that supply
management would destroy a familiar
way of life or threaten the family
farm. "If we keep going at the rate
we are going, the family farm will be
destroyed anyway," Gertie says.
"Ensuring reasonable financial
stability will save our way of life."
Another objection is all the red
tape. "The general guidelines we pro-
pose urge a minimum of red tape,"
she says. "We are at present paying
very dearly for no red tape."
The third major argument is that
there is no legislation that covers
orderly production in a given com-
modity. Gertie defends the proposal,
saying that legislation could be put in
place so that it is ready to serve when
needed for any commodity.
Lastly, the fear of government in-
volvement is often mentioned.
"What would you call the array of
assistance programs now in place?"
Gertie answers. The only government
involvement their proposal suggests is
umbrella legislation under which the
boards would operate. The actual
operation of those boards would be
done by the producers, she says.
General Guidelines
• The program would be designed as
an umbrella, with general direc-
tives as to purpose, direction, and
restrictions.
• Commodities would be able to opt
in without passage of new legisla-
tion. Commodity groups would
still have to have votes themselves.
• General guidelines would ensure a
unified approach, a minimum of
red tape, and fair treatment of
both producer and consumer.
• All guidelines would be directed at
the preservation of the family
farm.
• Boards would be established for
each commodity group not already
so governed.
• Orderly production would work
together with parity pricing.
• Production levels would be based
on domestic requirements only.
• Production levels would be
established by each of the in-
dividual commodity groups, keep-
ing in mind the specific needs of
the sub -groups within the com-
modity.
• Farm gate prices would be set by
each of the boards.
• Over -production would be sold on
world market with no guarantees.
• Imports would be allowed only to
fill domestic gaps.
• Documentation of five-year pro-
duction would be used to establish
individual production levels.
• Monetary value of right to produce
would be kept to a minimum.
• Right of production would not be
given to agri-business.
• Production level per unit would be
kept to a reasonably sized family
farm.
• There would be a trial period of
five years.
• The board for each commodity
would determine farm -gate prices.
That price would reflect all
operating costs, all indirect costs,
and labour costs — a farmer is en-
titled to payment for his labour
over and above the return on his in-
vestment.
ATTENTION
Commercial Pork
Producers:
In March of 1984, we began the
purchase of purebred Landrace
gilts from Tony Vandendool,
Clinton and purebred York
boars from Bodmin Ltd., Brussels,
both of which are rated "Ex-
cellent" under the Ontario Herd
Health Policy. We are using the
facilities of Bev Brown, Bluevale,
plus our own barn at Wingham.
Our health status is presently
rated "Good" under the Ontario
Herd Health Policy. So far 244
pigs have been shipped giving
us a carcass index of 106. A
select number of these F-1 Land-
race/York gilts are now
available. Enquiries are
welcome. Please call 357-2096
(home) or 335-3182 (barn)
anytime.
SANDY & SUSAN FAIR
FAIR FAMILY FARM
R.R. 4, Wingham
519-357-2096
DURHAM, ONT,
LIMITED
Used Building
Materials
Large stock
of 2 x 4s
priced from
10° per Lineal foot
Concrete drainage pipe
$2.00 per ft. & up — all sizes.
Windows
Doors
$15.00 & up
Hydraulic hoses
made to order
One compete building roof consisting
of laminated fir beams. 60' clear span,
plus flat roof decking to cover.
5 Km south of Durham on Hwy. 6
Call for details.
519-369-3203
JULY 1985 41