The Rural Voice, 2005-04, Page 62PERTH PCFA Office - R.R. , ry, Ph: or 8f
Fax:#1519-229St.Ma-6269sON Email:N4X perth104 @ ofa.on.ca Website:519-393-55551-
ofa.on.ca/perth66-829-8866
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
• The Rural Voice is provided to OFA
Members in Perth County by the PCFA.
Keep up the pressure on politicians
The March 2 Rally at Queens Park
was a success, thanks to your
involvement and support, and we
need to keep the pressure on our
MPP's. OFA, and the One Voice
coalition of Ontario Farm groups are
looking to you as individuals to
contact your MPP and let them know
the crisis in farming is real and
threatens the future of rural Ontario.
We are encouraging everyone to
ask your MPP this question: "Will
you take this issue to caucus
and support immediate govern-
ment financial assistance for farmers
and the development of a long-
term plan for farm viability in
Ontario."
One Voice Agenda
Ontario Farmers cannot subsidize
Ontario's food supply any longer.
The business of farming cannot
support implement dealers, co-
operatives and other small businesses
that, in turn, support Ontario's rural
communities
Existing support programs were
not developed to provide support in
times of catastrophic losses. In fact,
supports have been swallowed up by
increased regulatory costs, farm input
costs and a steady decrease in
commodity prices.
With the Ontario government's
emphasis on healthy eating, food
safety, and environmental issues,
there is a greater need than ever for
the Ontario government to support
farmers in Ontario.
PERTH COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, April 28
8:00 p.m.
Perth Agri -Centre,
Rostock
Everyone is welcome.
58 THE RURAL VOICE
The Ontario government must
immediately address the current
farm income crisis and plan for the
long -terns viability of farming in
Ontario.
The Ontario government must do
the following:
1) Provide a cash payment of new
money to grains and oilseeds farmers
of $300 million to allow planting of
crops this year.
2) Deliver promised funding to
tobacco growers ensuring an orderly
transition to other crops.
3) Commit to extending the Self -
Directed Risk Management Program
for horticulture farmers until a
suitable program is developed.
4) Delay implementation of the
Nutrient Management Act and
Regulations and enforcement.
5) Ensure the CAIS program delivers
real income support and
administratively flows in a timely
way.
6) Eliminate Water Taking Permit
Administrative fees for agricultural
use.
7) Delay legislation and regulations
that will economically burden
farmers until outstanding issues are
resolved eg: Greenbelt, Nutrient
Management, Source Water
Protection, water testing in Rural
Ontario.
These are immediate solutions.
Farm organizations will continue
discussions with the government on
medium term and long term
solutions.0
Huron Perth Women for the Support of Agriculture
Annual Meeting and election of officers
April 28, 2005
Mitchell Legion - 8:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Kathy Hodgins of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
will present information on finding balance in your woodlot and tree maintenance.
For further information contact Kate Monk 519-235-3527.
Thank You
Thank you to all who gave donations towards the One Voice Rally on
March 2: Elmira Farm Service (1981) Ltd., Hasta Farms (Listowel) Ltd.,
Argis 2000 Ltd., Meulensteen Tire & Auto Service Ltd., Don Hamilton
Real Estate, Rona (Atwood), Stratford Farm Equipment, Great Lakes
New Holland Inc., Atwood Farm Supplies Inc., Midwestern Equipment
(Listowel) Ltd., SWO Financial Services LP (BDO), Stoltz Sales and
Service, Inland Co-operative Inc., Thompsons (Mitchell), Perth Wheat
Producers, Braeben Farms Limited, Knollcrest Farms Ltd., B & D
Fullarton Farms Ltd., Dave Williams, D & S Downham Equipment Ltd.,
Logan Farm Equipment, Hoegy's Farm Supply Limited, Trillium Mutual
Insurance Co. and to all who travelled to Queen's Park either on the
buses or on their own to bring the farmers' message.0
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