The Rural Voice, 2000-12, Page 54PERTH Burnell Kipfer, R.R. #1, Sebringville NOK 1X0 Ph: 519-271-3399 Fax 519-273-0789
PCFA Office 519-229-6430 Fax 519-229-6269 e-mail: perth@ofa.on.ca
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
Farmers rally in Ottawa
On Thursday, November 9 two
bus loads of farmers from Perth and
Huron Counties travelled toy Ottawa
to take part in the rally before the
National Leaders' debate. When we
congregated on Parliament Hill we
were addressed by farm leaders from
Corn Producers, Wheat Producers,
Soybean Producers, CFA and OFA.
Each stressed the need for the
government (whoever they may be
after the November 27 elections) to
invest in Ontario and Canadian
agriculture.
The following is CFA President,
Bob Friesen's remarks to about 1,200
farmers gathered for a rally on
Parliament Hill.
Let's hear it for Canadian farmers!
You know Canadian agriculture
and agri-food generates some $85
billion of revenue every year; 14 per
cent of Canada's employment; $23
billion in trade every year. We make
up for 26 per cent of Canada's trade
surplus.
But Canadian farmers, right across
Canada, continue to live with
unprecedented low farm income
levels. They have experienced a 40 -
60 per cent decrease in some
commodity prices; a 37 per cent
increase in farm input costs in the last
10 years — and farmers are continuing
to provide a safe, high quality food.
And while our farmers are
struggling in the conditions they find
themselves under, governments in
other countries have been sensitive to
the plight of their farmers, and have
increased domestic support to make
sure that their farmer: make it
through this very crippling period.
Our farmers stand largely alone.
The Canadian farmer now finds
himself competing against
government treasuries in other
countries, and these factors have
created a crippling environment
within which it absolutely impossible
to survive. And yet, the Canadian
farmer is the most efficient farmer in
the world.
The Canadian consumer celebrates
Food Freedom Day on February 12.
That's when the average Canadian
household has earned enough money
to pay for the entire year's grocery
bill. But, what's even more important
is that on January 9, the average
household has earned enough money
to pay for the farmer's share of the
entire year's grocery bill.
And so our farmers continue to
live in an environment that is
threatening to collapse the entire
agriculture and agri-food industry in
Canada. We must ensure there is
adequate investment in Canadian
agriculture. We must continue to
provide our farmers with tools so
they can compete.
But we must also ensure that we
compete against farmers and not
government treasuries.
So, while we create those tools
and while we create an environment
in which it is possible for our farmers
to do what they do best, we are
calling on our governments for
strategic investment in agriculture.
We're asking for more investment in
PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
DECEMBER DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, December 14, 2000
Downie Mutual Insurance Office
Sebringville 8:00 p.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
50 THE RURAL VOICE
The Rural Voice is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA.
agriculture to show the same
sensitivity other governments have
shown in other countries to help our
farmers survive through this crippling
period.
But, this is much more than just
about farmers. This is about the rural
infrastructure. This is about the rural
community. This is about job
opportunities, about small town
businesses. And, this is about
surviving.
This is about continuing to create
an opportunity in agriculture so that
we continue to do what we do best.
And, so again, we call on
governments to invest in agriculture.
This is an $85 billion industry that's
at stake. But much more importantly,
it's farm families, it's the rural
community, and it's an important
contribution to the Canadian
economy.
Let's hear it for farmers!O
Season's
Greetings
The Perth County
Federation of
Agriculture
would like to wish
the farmers of
Perth County a
Merry Christmas
and the hope for a
healthy and
prosperous
New Year!
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