The Rural Voice, 2006-02, Page 48GREY
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER * The Rural Voice is provided to OFA
Members in Grey County by the GCFA
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1 P9
Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: www.ofa.on.ca/grey 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
And now we wait and see ... again
By now, Canadians will have
elected their next government and
farmers will have to wait and see if,
and how, things will be any different
from the last government.
Candidates told us just what they
wanted to or what they thought we
wanted to hear. Now time will tell.
The United Voice sent a strong
message to candidates about the
income crisis, unfair subsidies and
the need for public investment in
primary agriculture. The Wayne
Easter Report was widely distributed.
Disappointingly, some candidates,
despite having received very
comprehensive agricultural informa-
tion packages early into the election,
cared so little for agricultural issues
they didn't even read the literature.
So, Steve or Paul or Jack, here's your
chance, don't let us down.
Remember, Farmers Feed Cities!
Generally, the Easter
Recommendations strongly suggest
that government acts as a strong
advocate for agriculture in all areas
from marketing mechanisms to
producer supports and from trade
agreements to consumer protection
standards. Free and equal trade
receives support as does supply
management. Rural Canada receives
a boost, with suggestions to support
childcare and provide incentives to
"...keep them on the farm." All in all,
recommended reading for all those
who earn their livelihood from
farming.
But — will this report become a
dust collector as did its many
predecessors? It is not the first time
that Canadian agricultural
stakeholders have been consulted
through panels and roundtables or
provided input to government. It may
very well be the first time they are
heard. Let's keep the pressure on and
make sure these recommendations,
and agriculture, are taken seriously.
It will be our own fault if we once
again allow a report that speaks out
on our behalf to be shelved and
forgotten.
44 THE RURAL VOICE
It is disappointing to hear and see
one part of agriculture pit itself
against another. Canadian agriculture
will never be successful as long as
one sector is prospering on the back
of another. If grain and oilseed prices
are extremely low, and those farmers
are suffering, then those feeding the
grain are pleased with the affordable
inputs. Let corn growers try to level
the playing field and hear cattle
farmers scream from coast to coast.
Non -supply -managed commodities
demand their right to market without
borders and restrictions yet resent the
presence and profits of the supply -
managed sectors. No thought is given
to the major investment made by the
dairy or feather farmers, in purchased
or financed quota, in equipment and
in land and buildings. Supply -
managed commodities chose to
restrict their production and markets
and paid for the privilege. If
Canadian agriculture is to be
considered successful, all sectors
must be able to be successful without
being competitive or jealous. We
need to stand together, support one
another and celebrate each other's
successes. This is not to imply that
all farmers will be successful: they
will not. It is a sad fact of life that
some farmers will simply not make it.
Every so often something happens
that reminds us OFA is a grassroots
organization, speaking from the
bottom-up. Recently, a Grey County
farmer brought forward his idea for
Ontario Food Tax Credits. He
proposes that each time a consumer
purchases Ontario -grown food
products, a tax credit would appear
on their receipt. "Grown in Ontario"
labels would raise our profile and
make things easier for consumers.
At year's end, the consumer could
use the tax credits to reduce their
income taxes. Simple enough, but
with bar code technology, this could
work. We are rewarded with tax
incentives for investing in our
retirement, in our children's
education and in our country through
bonds, so why not for investing in
agriculture? Consumers, not farmers,
will receive the benefit, so even
WTO cannot see this as a subsidy.
Consumers will choose food items
that reward them at tax time, which
should increase the demand for
Ontario grown food items.
Increasing the demand will result in
an increase in supply, which should
put more money into the farmers'
hands. We save every $1.19 receipt
for nuts and bolts now; this will be no
more difficult. It's simple and
effective. Now, let's make it work.
GCFA is asking for contributions
of colour photos of farms and farm -
related scenes taken in and around
Grey County. In an effort to promote
and celebrate Grey County
agriculture, GCFA is planning to
publish a 2007 calendar. We are
asking for 4 x 6 colour photos (as
proofs) showing farmsteads and
families, animals and equipment,
sheep grazing, cows and calves, hay
stooks and milkmaids (are there still
any?) and more. We have four
seasons and a very diverse agriculture
landscape, let's show it off. Call the
office, 364-3050 for details.
Also, is anyone interested in
helping set up a GCFA webpage?
— Submitted by Anne Marie Watson
Vice -President, GCFA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR FARMERS!
Beginning June 30, 2006, any farm
operation that has paid help at any time will
come under the Occupational Health and
Safety Act. Be sure to attend a public
information session in your area. For Grey -
Bruce it is on February 15, in Hanover. Call
OMAFRA at 1-877-424-1300 for
information.0
GREY COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, February 23 — 8:00 p.m.
Grey County Agricultural Services Centre
meeting room {Grey Gables)
206 Toronto Street South, Markdale
Members are welcome to attend