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Clinton News-Record, 1984-12-12, Page 26On the land • CLINTON HEWS -RECORD, WEDNESDAY, DECEl6 'R 12,1984—Page 3A Federation holds 48th annual convention New leaders and new directions emerged from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's 48th annual convention held last week in Toronto. Harry Pelissero, who was acclaimed president of the OFA, said he and the ex- ecutive xecutive committee are looking forward to meeting the challenges the convention delegates set for the federation for 1985. "The delegates told us they want financ- ing to be the OFA's priority in the new year. We will continue to lobby for long-term af- fordable financing and improved marketing because that's, what the farm community wants," he said. The delegates also indicated that their concerns must be brought to the attention of federal politicians, and they directed the ex- ecutive committee to plan a major cam- paign for Ottawa, similar to the one held in Toronto in June. Also on the subject of farm financing, the convention passed a resolution charging an OFA committee with the responsibility of examining the establishment of a ,farmers' financial institution. "There has been a great deal of interest in a farmers' bank," Pelissero said. "It would be a good way for farmers to assume greater responsibility - for their own financial well-being." The committee will report to the OFA's board of directors quarterly, and will bring its pro- posals to the 1985 convention. Provincial Agriculture Minister Dennis Timbrell addressed the convention, and an- nounced an extension of the Ontario Farm Adjustment Assistance Program and a new loan aid program. In September, during a presentation to the provincial cabinet, the OFA requested that the OFAAP be extended. Pelissero said he was happy to hear Timbrell's commitment to make it a permanent program if he is suc- cessful in his bid for the Tory Leadership. In September, the OFA also suggested a -freeze on interest rates on operating loans. The new program Timbrell announced "is close to that," Pelissero said, "but not close enough." He said he is concerned that the eligibility criteria, which is the same as that for OFAAp, is too narrow. In addition, he said the, government should guarantee 100 percent of the loan, not just 60. Pelissero said he was .'concerned about federal Agriculture Minister John Wise's statement to the convention that there is not sufficient tax revenue for his government "to do the creative, innovative things that we would like to do as a government." However, Pelissero added he is encourag- ed by Wise's declaration that he would be turning to the OFA for direction and advice on solving the problems of the farm sector. Close to 400 delegates attended the two - and -a -half day convention, and they made several decisions which will steer the OFA's activities in 1985. As a result of discussion on farmfinancing, the convention delegates decided that the county federations of agriculture should meet to discuss ways of solving two major problems: lack of long- term affordable credit and a poor return for their products. Meanwhile, they want the OFA to lobby for agri-bonds, for an abolition of capital gains tax on farmland and for the roll-over of taxable capital gains into a private mortgage. The OFA was directed to develop ideas for an Agricultural Conservation board to regulate the farming industry's en- vironmental and planning concerns; to develop guidelines for improving employer- employee relations; and to work with the county federations of agriculture in their ef- forts to convince local school boards to in- clude agriculture in their courses. There was also a general discussion on family law reform and its implications on the farm business. Pelissero said he and the new executive are eager to begin planning for the new year. The executive committee has two new members: Doug Avery, a fruit and vegetable producer from Brockville and Roger George, a hog producer from Powassan. The rest of the seven -person ex- ecutive remains unchanged: first vice- president, Brigid Pyke, second vice- president, Jack Wilkinson, (Mr.) Lynn Gir- ty and Brenda Ward. NDP must humanize technology New Democrats have to work to humanize the technological revolution says provincial deputy leader Jim Foulds. Port Arthur MPP Foulds spoke on jobs, technological change and the economy at the Perth New Democrats nomination meeting. Warren Ham of R.R. 2, Staffa was named as the party's provincial candidate. "While it is true that technological change can relieve mankind from a lot of mind -and - soul -numbing labor ... it is also true there's not much use in replacing one kind of soul- destroying labor with a different kind," said MPP Foulds. He said society has to use technological change to free humanity rather than having society chained to these changes. "To do that, we as NDP must keep our concerns for the rights and dignity of the in- dividual constantly before us at all times," the deputy house leader said. Mr. Foulds said reduced working time is a serious issue that the NDP has to put on the Education will lessen hazards Education must be the major mechanism The brief suggested that the Farm Safety for promoting safety and awareness of oc- Association be incorporated separately cupational health hazards on the farm, the from the Workers' Compensation Act and Ontario Federation of Agriculture. said the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and recently in a brief presented to the Ontario Food contribute 50 percent of the funding. Task . Force on Health and Safety in Sixteen recommendations were made to Agriculture. • the task force. The OFA's brief lias the sup - The brief emphasized the uniqueness of port of 18 organizations in the agricultural the farm business: it is the only industry industry. where the family is raised in the workplace; These, following 16 recommendations it is large, an average size of 181 acres; , were made to the Task Force:' nearly 70 percent of the labour is provided 1. That the mandate of the Farm Safety by the owner and his or her family; Association be expanded and its structure employees must deal with over -sized, poten- altered. tially dangerous equipment; economic 2. Farm Safety Association should carry pressures have increased stress on the out the expanded education program farm. through such groups as 4-H, Women's In - Although there is legislation governing stitute, Junior Farmers, and through the such things as the use of farm vehicles on education system from the primary to highways, the OFA said in its brief that im- university level. posing the Occupational Health and Safety 3. A survey be undertaken to accurately Act or similar laws wouldn't meet the document and assess the health and safety special needs of the industry. Due to pro- hazards associated with agriculture. blems of enforcement and since the respell- 4. Where practical, a, mechanism should be sibility for farm safety rests with the in- developed to involve the farm workers in dividual, the brief recommended that health health and safety concernsin the farm and safety on the farm be promoted through workplace. education. 5. Consideration be given to the develop - To achieve this, the brief says, the man- merit • of effective monitoring/detection date of the. Farm Safety Association needs 'equipment that would be suited for all types to be widened and alterations crust be made of silos and would be able to detect the dif- to its structure so it can receive financial ferent toxic gases.'When such equipment is support from More than Workers' Compen- r Turn to page 6A • sation Board contributions. DISPLAY YOUR LUIS: ON HER FINGER The diamond engagement ring you select for your bride will be a daily reminder of your deep love. This is a purchase you should consider carefully because it's meant to last a lifetime. Consult us before making your final decision, We're American Gem Society jewelers... dedicated to consumer protection and fine service. 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"Our program of shorter work time,. voluntary early retirement, bridging pen- sions, retraining and advance notice of technological change is a start and necessary must," he said. JEWELLERS ' 8 Albert St CLtNTON 284 Mann St EXETER 26 M:un St South SEAFORTI-I 135 Queen St East ST. MARYS 203 Durham St E WALKERTON Agriculture and Food Minister Dennis Timbrell presented a Bicentennial Award of Merit to the Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last week in recognition of the association's contributions to agriculture in Ontario. Accep- ting the award is 1984/85 president Stuart Budd of R.R. 3 Waterford. Grants for development program October 15, 1984 was the deadline for pro- ducers who wanted their 1984 spring and summer born calves to be eligible for grant payments under the Cow -Calf Development Program. Weights for all calves born between September 1 and December 31, 1984 are eligible for payment ,if the producer has enrolled two months prior to the weigh dates for these calves. These weighings must oc- cur when the calves are between 120-250 days of age. As of January 1, 1985, new enrollees must have submitted their enrolment form to their local county office prior to the birth of their fir,t calf. Producers who have already submitted their enrolment form for the Cow -Calf Development Program are automatically enrolled each year for the duration of the program. Contact your local.office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for any clarification of the program. 4 For a unique gift idea , may we suggest 'A BENMILLER INN 'GIFT CERTIFICATE' • A delightful gift redeemable on Accommodations, Dining or The Gift Shoppe. Something For The Ladies AFTERNOON TEA SERVED 2:30 - 4:30, 7 DAYS.A WEEK. 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