The Rural Voice, 2002-10, Page 54PERTH B`'rnell Kipfer, R.R. #1, riFax
PCFA Office 519-229-6430SebngvilleNOK Fax1X0 519-229-6269Ph: a-mail:519-271-3399 ax perth@ofa.on.ca519-273-0789
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
• The Rural Voice is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA.
New government approach welcome
By Bill Mailloux, Vice -President
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
For Ontario farm organizations.
doing business with Queen's Park is
growing easier. and more is being
accomplished.
Under Premier Ernie Eves and
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and
Food Minister Helen Johns, our
provincial government is not only
hearing farm organizations, but
listening to what is being said. We saw
more proof of this when Premier Eves
announced $72.5 million for Ontario
farmers when he spoke at the 2002
edition of the International Plowing
Match.
Besides coming up with the
funding. Minister. Johns and the
Premier also demonstrated a clear
understanding of how the Ontario
Federation of Agriculture and a
number of Ontario's farm
organizations wanted the money
distributed. Through their efforts, cash
will soon be put into the hands of the
farmers who need it most.
It is refreshing. as a farm
organization, to see this response from
government officials. The work of
farm lobby organizations like the OFA
is constantly under scrutiny by the
farmers who demand to see results for
the money they invest in their
organizations.
That's a reasonable expectation, but
when government officials, either
'elected or hired, think they know
what's best for agriculture. and
proceed to ignore the input from OFA
and other farm organizations. farmers
quite often don't get what they need or
deserve.
Agriculture is a complex industry
with a diverse list of needs and
requirements. This list is constantly
being updated. and leaders of farm
organizations. when they see their first-
hand advice being ignored or altered
beyond recognition. become very
frustrated.
We have a good working
relationship with the top officials of the
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and
Food. and Premier Eves has shown. on
many occasions. a keen appreciation of
agriculture and what the farmers of his
province need.
The OFA hopes this valuable
exchange of information and ideas can
continue as negotiations for the
Agricultural Policy Framework
continue with the federal government.
Minister Johns will no doubt need the
support of Ontario farmers and their
organizations as she represents our
interests at these negotiations.
It will be equally important for
support to come from others in her
government. Development of the
Agricultural Policy Framework will be
a complex matter with representatives
from the federal level and all other
provinces bringing their needs and
expectations to the table.
Premier Eves reminded members of
Perth County Harvest Day Tour returns
After a one-year hiatus because of
concern over hoof and mouth disease
and biosecurity, the Perth County
Federation of Agriculture invite you
to "Get Out Of Town" and join us for
a Harvest Day Tour in 2002.
The Tour will take place on
Sunday, October 6 from 1:00 p.m. to
4:00 p.m. We will be touring the
Newton, Donegal area this year.
Passports at a cost of $5 per
vehicle will be available for pickup at
locations in Stratford, Mitchell and
Listowel. Final details are still in the
planning stages so watch your local
50 THE RURAL VOICE
papers for exact locations to pick up a
Passport to tour Perth County's
agricultural businesses.°
PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Downie Mutual Insurance Office
Sebringville 8:00 p.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
the media and others attending the
plowing match why he is so interested
in Ontario agriculture. Last year, he
said, the agri-food sector contributed
more than $33 billion worth of
economic activity to the provincial
economy. Further, he noted, the sector
is responsible for the creation of more
than 650.000 jobs in the province.
What a thrill to hear our Premier
presenting these statistics to the
residents of Ontario. OFA can be
pleased it has a Premier willing to
recognize the value and importance of
agriculture in Ontario. and a Premier
who is interested enough in the future
of our industry to share his enthusiasm
with everyone in the province.
We need to acknowledge the role of
OMAF Minister Johns in moving
agriculture up the provincial
government's agenda. They make a
powerful team for Ontario agriculture.
As she introduced the Premier at the
IPM, Minister Johns said: "He is quite
a spokesman, and he has a heart for
agriculture."
The Ontario Federation of
Agriculture is grateful for the devotion
Premier Eves and Minister Johns are
demonstrating for agriculture. We are
anxious to continue this new approach
government is taking to doing business
with Ontario farmers.°
EFP COURSES
Book yourself for an
Environment Farm Plan course
to be eligible for program funding.
11/2 day -time courses available
October 2/October 17 -
Mitchell
October 30/November 7 -
Tavistock
November 20/November 27 -
Milverton
December 4/December 11 -
Location TBA
Pre -register - Call Mary 393-6232