The Rural Voice, 1987-03, Page 80BRUCECOUNTY Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
44610th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1 P9
FEDERATION MONITORS DEBT -REVIEW PROCESS
The debt -review panels have been
meeting now since November and the
OFA and Bruce County Federation of
Agriculture have been watching the
developments and actions of the
boards panels with extreme interest.
There have been many large battles
fought to ensure fairness and impar-
tiality for the farm applicants. These
issues have centred around the inter-
pretations of the guardian/trustee and
the guardian account. It is our infor-
mation that the three parties (farmer,
creditor, and review board) will enter
into separate negotiations with regard
to the appointment of the trustee and
the need for a separate guardian ac-
count. The creditors will have to
show just cause to have anyone but
the farmer appointed trustee.
Every farmer is entitled to have his
own counsellor or representative (law-
yer, accountant, advisor) attend his
panel hearing with him or be present
at any negotiations.
There still appears to be problems
between some panel fieldmen and the
farmer applicant. You have the right
to have any representative of the field
staff replaced if a personality problem
surfaces.
Because of the diversity of the sol-
utions available, it appears best to go
before the review panel with viable
alternatives and solutions to present to
the members.
It appears that the FCC is now
entering the negotiations with the
ability to renegotiate terms of repay-
ment, interest reduction, and principle
519-364-3050
reduction where a viable farm unit can
remain intact.
It also appears that there are func-
tional problems in the debt -review
process. Don't apply until necessary
— until time helps to sort out these
procedural difficulties.
The important thing to remember
is that if you are considering the re-
view process, knowledge is your great-
est weapon. Talk to qualified people
such as an independent advisor, lawyer,
or neighbour or friend who has been
through financial hard times. The
Bruce County federation directors,
regional directors, and staff are willing
and able to talk to you about your
problems and help you find competent,
qualified help. Don't be afraid to
contact us and talk to us at 364-3050.0
Ken Kelly
Anyone who has not already applied for the Special Canadian Grains Program
should do so now. The program offers a direct federal subsidy of $15 to $30 per acre
on all grains, whether grown for feed or sale. The application form is extremely simple
to complete and can be obtained from OMAF. Payments will begin to be mailed out
shortly after March 31, the deadline for applications.
Bruce County Federation of Agriculture COMMITTEES: 1986-87
Insurance: C. Lynn Fielder
R. R. 4 , Kincardine
NOG 200
395-5672
Membership: Allan Smith
R. R. 2, Tara
NOH 2N0
934-2928
Public Relations: Gerry Poechman
R. R. 1, Walkerton
NOG 2V0
364-5657
Meetings: Jennifer Pruder
R. R. 4, Wiarton
NOH 2T0
534-1962
Hydro Committee: Glenn Sawyer
R. R. 2, Paisley
NOG 2N0
353-5529
ARDA: Ken Robinson
R. R. 1, Kincardine
NOG 200
395-2405
Policy: Grant Collins
R. R. 1, Kincardine
NOG 2G0
395-5131
Farm Labour Pool: Bert Caslick
R. R. 1, Cargill
NOG 1J0
881-0009
Lobbying: Brian Ireland
R. R 2, Teeswater
NOG 2S0
392-6461
Finance: Grant Collins
R. R. 1, Kincardine
NOG 200
395-5131
Farm Safety: Lynn Fielder
R. R. 4, Kincardine
NOG 200
395-5672
78 THE RURAL VOICE