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The Citizen, 1991-10-02, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2,J991 Speaking of Farming By Jim Fitzgerald Free Trade a disaster for farm sector Now that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States is nearly two years old, consumers, employees and farmers are asking themselves if it was worth it. Have we gained anything or lost anything, and if so, what? Well, according to two reports published this summer, Canadians,— particularly farmers and food processing companies — got the short end of the stick. In fact, one report says Canada should immediately cease the lowering of tariffs and abolition of trade barriers with the United States if the American government continues to make a mockery of the FTA. The report, called "Resolving Trade Disputes with the United States: Level Playing Field or a Vehicle for U.S. vested Interests," by researchers at the University of Guelph's George Morris Centre, says that political and protectionist actions by the U.S. are preventing progress in obtaining fair trading rules between the two countries, known in agriculture lingo as a "level playing field." About 30 per cent of all countervailing duties and anti dumping cases brought against Canada by the U.S. in the last decade were against our agricultural products. The three researchers, all highly respected professors at U of Guelph, charge that the FTA, which was signed by the two countries to help alleviate a long history of trade disputes between the two countries, has turned out to be a sham. Instead of treating both countries as equals, it's "subjecting the Canadian agrifood system to the self-serving whims of U.S. legislators and their clearly rigged processes" and without some degree of protection for agrifood — our second largest manufacturing industry — we are in effect handing it to the Americans on a platter. The researchers show that in four separate disputes that the Americans have run roughshod over the process and the decisions. Although we have won one of those battles since the U of G report was published — the U.S. countervail against our processed pork after an expensive five year battle — it clearly showed that the Americans would nearly go to the end of the earth to stop Canadian pork from entering. Our total Canadian pork production only amounts to two per cent of their production. Another case involves meat inspection. According to the FTA, there were to be no border inspections of meal traded between Canada and the U.S. But, because of pressure from U.S. custom brokers, border inspections were instituted at a frequency of one in 20 shipments, with each costing the Canadian exporter $200. The frequency has now risen to once every seventh shipment and the costs have quadrupled to $800. As well, in other cases on Atlantic ground fish, and Canadian softwoods, the Americans have passed retroactive legislation to legitimize countervailing actions that had been declared illegal under existing laws. The report concludes with five recommendations to deal with the problem, including immediate undertaking serious negotiations to develop a fair dispute mechanism. The U.S. should honour its commitments to harmonizing meat inspection, and should significant progress not be made by January 1, 1992 and the U.S. tactics persist, then Canada should refuse to lower any more tariffs and trade barriers as agreed on that date, and immediately enter into negotiations with other countries or regions to obtain free trade status. The other report, released by the Federal Liberal task force last summer, says that the food processing industry is hurting as well, with almost 12,000 jobs lost just in the Ontario food industry to the U.S. in 1989 and 1990. Not only were processing companies moving out in droves, but witnesses told the task force that Canadian grocers import more and more U.S. products, and of how difficult it is for Canadians to get shelf space from large food retailers. That report, which says the disaster has been worsened by the recession, high taxes, high interest rates, and a high dollar value, also calls for the FTA to be renegotiated and that Canadians work with industry to find new markets outside the United States. Be careful of silo gas, the autumn killer The Farm Safety Association rec­ ommends that farmers take extreme care this fall when filling silos. Variable growing conditions in some areas of Ontario may have created a situation where silo gas may be more of a problem this year than others. Climatic conditions play a large role in the formation of deadly silo gas, and weather condi­ tions this summer have caused some farm safety experts to issue warnings concerning the gas. Silo gas or nitrogen dioxide is produced as a by-product of the fer­ mentation process that takes place once plant material is pul into a silo. A variety of climatic stresses on the plant material during the growing season can dramatically increase the possibility of toxic gases forming. To avoid silo gas, farmers are advised not to harvest crops immediately after a rainfall. Conversely, crops damaged by hail or frost should be harvested as quickly as possible to avoid build­ up of excess nitrate in the plant material. If weather or other factors have increased the possibility of nitrate build-up, plant material should be cut higher than normal, as excess nitrates are stored in the lower portion of com stalks. Silo gas may be visible within a few hours after silo filling and may be recognized by a bleach-like odour and may be visible as a yel­ lowish-brown haze. Dead flies or birds at the base of the silo may also be an indicator of the gas. Once a silo is filled, it should be sealed and declared off-limits for at least a three week period. During this period of time the silo should not be entered unless all rules for confined space entry are closely followed and a self-contained breathing apparatus is used. Farm Safety MVCA lends a hand nominations sought The Farm Safety Association of Ontario is interested in knowing of individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and education of agricultural health and safety in Ontario. Any individual, or organization who has rendered distinguished ser­ vice in the field of Occupational Safety and Health in agriculture and is considered by the Board of Directors of the Farm Safety Asso-, ciation as being worthy of special’ recognition may be selected as a recipient of this award. Nominations for this award are welcomed from any source. Any­ one knowing of an individual or organization worthy of this consid­ eration is asked to contact the Farm Safety Association in Guelph for complete details and nomination forms. Nominations must be received no later than December 1. For further information contact: Farm Safety Association Inc. Suite 21-23 340 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, Ontario N1H7K6 Continued from page 17 "Farmers were very co-opera­ tive," said Chris Hoskins, MVCA Soil and Water Technician, "We appreciate them taking time out of their schedules to talk to us." The survey analysis will be com­ pleted this fall. Copies of the results will be available later in 1991. The Maitland Valley Conserva­ tion Authority, in co-operation with OMAF and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, continues to provide a variety of soil and water conservation services. Farm­ ers can take advantage of planting equipment available free of charge to establish cropping and tillage tri­ als. 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