The Rural Voice, 2000-02, Page 46PERTH
Andy DeVries, R.R. #1, Atwood NOG 1E30 Phone/Fax 519-356-2133
PCFA Office 229-6430 Fax 229-6269 e-mail: perth@ofa.on.ca
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
• The Rural Voice is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA.
Intensive Agricultural Operations in Rural Ontario
Ontario's agriculture and food
industry contributes $25 billion to the
provincial economy every year and
employs some 640.000 people. It is
Ontario's second largest industry. To
remain competitive. farmers must
evolve and adopt new. more efficient
production methods.
This, can give rise to changes that
the surrounding communities may
find difficult to support. And those
communities are growing: fully 25
per cent of Ontario's population
lives outside of our urban centres
The Honourable Ernie Hardeman.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs, has asked his
Parliamentary Assistant, Dr. Doug
Galt M.P.P. for Northumberland to
lead a public consultation on the
issues surrounding intensive
agricultural operations and nutrient
management. Ultimately, the goal of
the consultation process is to gather
enough information to develop a plan
that v ill support farmers' right to
farm while at the same time not
infringe upon surrounding land uses.
Mr. Toby Barrett, M.P.P. for
Perth County Resolution
going to CFA Annual
The following resolution passed
at Perth County and passed at the
August OFA Directors meeting is
being sent to the CFA Annual
meeting in February.
WHEREAS the federal government
revised the Canada Pension Plan
rules, and
WHEREAS due to weather,
markets, or a slowdown in
production (due to health reasons,
etc.) farm incomes fluctuate more
compared to a wage income.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that the Canadian Federation of
Agriculture review the new Canada
Pension Plan payment rules to
determine how they will impact the
farming community given the
inconsistent income of agriculture.0
42 THE RURAL VOICE
Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, the Chair
of Rural Caucus and Parliamentary
Assistant to the Minister of
Environment. will co-chair the public
consultation with Dr. Galt. The report
back to Mr. Hardeman is expected by
spring 2000.
The Ministries of Agriculture.
Food and Rural Affairs and
Environment are encouraging
comments and submissions from all
stakeholders — farmers. rural
residents, cottagers and
municipalities.
Written submissions are invited by
February 15, 2000. All responses
should be sent to:
Dr. Doug Galt
Parliamentary Assistant
Consultation on Intensive Agriculture
Operations
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West
Guelph, Ontario
NIG 4Y2
More information and copies of a
discussion paper and a questionnaire
on Targe agricultural operations are
available on the internet at
www.gov.on.ca/omafra or by calling
1-888-466-2372 ext. 63132.
The Perth County Federation of
Agriculture will be making a
presentation at the public consultation
meeting in Clinton on January 19.0
PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
FEBRUARY DIRECTORS'
MEETING
Thursday, February 24, 2000
Downie Mutual Fire
Insurance Office
Sebringville 8:30 p.m.
Everyone Welcome)
What PCFA is planning for 2000
Our new committees have been set up and are looking at what needs to be done during the
coming year.
The Promotions/Member Relations Committee have an extensive list of plans.
continued sponsorship of the 4-H jackets for the top member in the competitive clubs in the
county
• High School Scholarships to one graduating student in each of the six high schools in the
county who is attending post secondary education in studies related to agriculture.
• develop and print a colouring book on agriculture
• kitchen meetings throughout the county with OFA members
• Ontario Agricultural Week activities
• Harvest Day Tour
The Property/Environment Committee will be trying to complete some projects as well as
initiate some new ones.
• follow up on Oil Recovery Project
• Reflective Tape Campaign - All members of OFA in Perth County received a kit of reflective
tape. We will be promoting the use of this tape.
• following the discussions and information on GMO's
• promote the use of the Perth Agricultural Review Committee
The Political Awareness Committee is planning to:
• meet with County Council, Stratford Council, St. Marys Council and Township Councils during
the year
• promote the results of the Economic Impact Study which should be released in late spring
• meet with Members of Parliament on issues as they arise
• hold a lobby workshop
i