The Rural Voice, 1986-04, Page 15not part of the industry too? Why does
the farmer take all the loss? Is the
system working for us? I think not.
The alternative to our present un -
profitability is a marketing system that
prices our products in a way com-
parable to the way the business people
operate. It would determine the
domestic requirements and supply that
market at a price that covered costs —
including wages and return on invest-
ment — comparable to that received by
other businesses. Produce for export
must obviously be sold for what it will
bring on that market, but fire -sale,
depressed world prices must not deter-
mine the price we get on the prosper-
ous domestic market.
The acceptance of both the broiler
and egg boards was preceded by a
devastating washout of producers. The
delay in the setting up of those two
boards resulted in a concentration of
production into fewer and larger units
which need not have happened. The
milk producers fared better because
the government and notably
Honourable William A. Stewart man-
dated them into a marketing plan that
worked. Whether you call these
marketing systems supply manage-
ment, parity pricing, market manage-
ment, or whatever is beside the point.
The point is that we must market our
produce as efficiently as we produce it,
and as efficiently as do other business
groups. Developing an efficient
marketing system for specific products
requires expertise. There is the ex-
perience of others to build on. Most of
it is positive, although some is
negative. New marketing plans should
obviously avoid any of the pitfalls of
the past. For example, any new
marketing plan would be irresponsible
if it did not rule out quota value.
The greatest temptation we face is to
succumb to fear and apathy. To sit
back and do nothing — to say it can't
be done — to follow the dictum of
those economists who would relegate
us to the production end of agriculture
exclusively. This is where farm
organizations come in — and govern-
ment.
Marketing boards of course operate
under government legislation and de-
pend on government's active support.
All three main political parties support
current legislation for the marketing of
farm products. Over the years,
members from all parties have given
strong support to marketing legisla-
tion. Names that come to mind include
Col. Thomas Kennedy, William A.
Stewart, and Eugene Whelan. It
should be emphasized that strong
government support is absolutely
essential for marketing boards to
operate effectively. It must be said at
this time that the present delay in the
implementation of the proposed na-
tional marketing plan for broiler
breeders and tobacco is causing real
concern in the rural community.
The commodity groups are the
logical organizations to give leadership
marketing, and in some instances they
do just that. In the beef and pork
groups, the reality is that they are
unlikely to change from their present
orientation toward the American
market. They have been strongly in-
fluenced by some economists from the
University of Guelph who are cool to
the family farm concept, opposed to
supply management principles, and
ecstatically enthusiastic about free
trade with the United States.
1 believe that the main burden of
promoting effective marketing must
rest with the general farm organiza-
tions, mainly the OFA, the Farmer's
Union, and the Christian Farmers
Organization. The Union has been
outspokenly supportive. While sup-
portive of the principle of supply
management, the OFA has been hesi-
tant about taking issue with the pork
and beef organizations in order to
avoid controversy.
There comes a time in the life of an
organization when it must take a stand
on principle. The OFA alone in On-
tario has the strength and the expertise
to lead the industry into a logical and
rational marketing situation. There is
justification for the parent body
(OFA) to stay out of day-to-day opera-
tions of commodity boards, but that in
no way precludes it from accepting its
responsibility to take a stand on basic
principles. In these times of economic
chaos, an impotent OFA is not good.
There must be leadership from OFA in
the realm of marketing.
Likewise, the county federation
groups are in a good position to reach
out to the local farmer — the in-
dividual service member (ISM). During
the past year, some of them have
brought together the county commodi-
ty groups to present the kind of united
front that is so necessary in the field of
marketing. They can both present ex-
amples and exert pressure on the
parent OFA. In the county branches of
the federation and of the other general
farm organizations, farmers have their
best opportunity for involvement in
marketing promotion.
To believe that there is somewhere a
trick formula, a magic solution, even a
charismatic personality to lead us from
darkness to light is wishful thinking.
We can solve our problems the way
other business people, including some
farmers, have solved theirs — through
sound, rational business practices.
Business, labour, and the professions
all effectively market what they have to
sell. They don't dump it on the market
and hope for the best. If teachers were
willing to accept $20,000 a year, that is
what they would get. If egg producers
were willing to get 60C for eggs, that
would be the price. If pork producers
are satisfied with 70C a pound, it is
unlikely that the "market place" will
force much more on them.
We had better realize that if there is
to be an improvement in our situation,
it must come mainly through our own
co-operative marketing efforts. C
Travel Agencies Present
SPRING
BUS TOURS
Ottawa
• 4 day tour
• Departures: May 13
May 14
Holland Michigan
• Tulip Time 4 day tour
• Departure: May 15
Washington
• Cherry Blossom Time
• 5 days
• Departure April 10
For More Information Contact
Your One Stop Travel Centre
TRAVEL AGENCY
519.482.9300
YEARS
Humphrey Straw-
bridge. serving the
people of Stratford
and area for 21 years.
Visit our new expand-
ed showroom for
Honda Power Pro-
ducts, Stihl chain
saws, Lawnboy and
Canadiana mowers
and Lawn Furniture.
HUMPHREY
STRAWBRIDGE
COMPANY LIMITED
400 Huron Street, Stratford 271-9557
APRIL 1986 13
4