The Rural Voice, 2003-03, Page 54J T Tim Shute, R.R. #6, St. Marys, ON N4X 1.C8 Ph: 519-229-6395 Fax 519-229-6690
PCFA Office 519-229-6430 Fax 519-229-6269 e-mail: perth@ofa.on.ca
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
• The Rural Voice is provided to farmers
in Perth County by the PCFA.
OFA President gathers local input
Ron Bonnett, OFA President was
in Perth County February 17 and
18. During his stay in the county
he met with farmers in Kirkton and
Shakespeare. The following are
some excerpts from a
commendatory by Ron before his
meetings with members throughout
the province.
"Input from the grassroots is
what keeps the Ontario Federation
of Agriculture in tune with what its
members are thinking and talking
about. It's how OFA knows the
issues to be researched, developed
and taken to governments for
action.
"While much of the grassroots
input comes to OFA through its
network of county federations and
commodity organizations, personal
visits to farm homes and kitchen
meetings also provide us with
valuable information.
"Over the next few weeks I will
be touring the province, attending
local meetings and sitting around
kitchen tables with Ontario's
farmers to talk about what's
important to them.
"I'm expecting nutrient
management will be one of the key
topics the farmers want to discuss.
Many of the telephone calls that
come to OFA are about this topic
and the concerns farmers have for
their future in the business of
farming.
"Using input from farmers, much
of it collected during consultation
sessions, Ontario farm organiza-
tions, working in concert with
government officials, have come up
with proposals to amend the
regulations that should mirror more
closely what our industry needs.
"We know farmers have
unresolved issues with assessment
and taxation in Ontario. We know
they have a lot of ideas on such
topics as safety nets and ways to
improve the income they get from
their farms.
"The future of rural Ontario
depends heavily on the success of
the families who farm the land and
produce the food everyone enjoys
on a daily basis. As we mark Food
EFP COURSES
Pre -book your spot
Taken an environmental Farm Plan course in 2003.
Completed and approved books are eligible for incentive
funding, OFA Well Project and the Clean Water Project.
A look at YOUR farm addressing surface and groundwater
Dates: for the one and one half day courses are:
March 4/11 — Milverton
March 12/19 — Mitchell
April 2/9 — Monkton
Pre -register call Mary 393-6232
50 THE RURAL VOICE
Freedom Day in Canada, we're
reminded of the efficiency of our
farmers — efficiency that allows
Canadians to eat the best food
possible for the most reasonable
price.
"As I travel the rural roads of
Ontario consulting with county
federation officials and individual
farmers, I look forward to hearing
opinions and forward-looking
thoughts that will keep Ontario's
food producers ahead of their
competitors.
"Farmers who can't attend one
of our open forums or kitchen
meetings are always welcome to
speak to elected leaders or staff at
the Ontario Federation of
Agriculture — after all, we're
farmers working for farmers."0
PERTH COUNTY
FEDERATION OF
AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS'
MEETING
Thursday,
February 27, 2003
Downie Mutual
Insurance Office
Sebringville 8:00 p.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
1