The Rural Voice, 1990-02, Page 9FEEDBACK
increasing calamity for those engaged in
farming. Let's face it, Canadian farmers
do not and never will have a level playing
field. Our climate, our huge tax burden,
our extensive infrastructure, and our large
welfare system simply put Canadian farm-
ers at a disadvantage. And other countries
will always find ways to support their own
producers; if it cannot be done over the
table it will be done under the table. They
know that without a farming sector, a
country goes down the drain. It is only a
matter of time. This is something many
Canadians no longer realize or appreciate.
The answer to number two is market-
ing boards or a two -priced system, but not
free trade or GATT. This may rub many
politicians and business people the wrong
way. Md it may sound macho to say that
the Canadian farmer is able to compete,
but in my opinion it is totally unrealistic.
Let's face it, the developed world has
huge surpluses of food. But those who
need it cannot afford to buy it. And those
who have money to buy it want it practi-
cally free. Pesticide laden, maxi -fertilized
food may seem cheap, but is not necessar-
ily so. Placing an upper limit on fertilizer
and pesticide use will result in healthier
foodstuffs, which in turn can result in
healthier, happier lives.
Number three I find a bit strange.
What is meant by "regionally sensitive"?
Surely it does not mean no livestock pro-
duction near urban centres? Or does it?
What we are seeing in our own area is an
ever-increasing drive towards cash crop-
ping. And this in turn will lead to more
problems with soil leaching, pesticide
leaching, and erosion .. .
Finally, a few comments regarding
number one: "The Canadian agri-food in-
dustry must be market responsive." As a
hog farmer, I try to produce lean, meaty
hogs. This is what our marketing agency
tells us to do, and our pork is among the
best in the world. But one can only go so
far. We have yet to develop a hog that is
all prime cuts. (Where would our liver
sausage come from?) Canadians shouldn't
complain with their mouths full — and it is
high time they were told this.
And how does one pursue a market
flooded by cheap imports? Ridiculous.
Mr. Mazankowski and his government had
better wake up and smell the coffee. Let's
stop overproducing commodities that no
one will buy. Any new legislation should
work towards that goal, and a reasonable
livelihood for reasonable farmers.0
Sid Vander Heide
R. R. 2, Mitchell, Ontario
FEBRUARY 1990 5
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