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stouffville suntribune thursday march 23 2006 13 aging farmers say theyre out of cash from page 1 will welcome busloads of farmers all committed to making queens park aware of what they say is a dire need mr doner doesnt mince words when he points out that agriculture is facing a twofold crisis theres no money for spring planting and farmers are getting old mr doner said forget spring planting farmers are trying to figure out how to pay last years seed bill theres proof that the industry is shutting down young people are not going into farming who can blame them the chances of making it are slim to none the owners of york regions 800 working farms arent getting any younger and the average age of the canadian farmer is now 60 meanwhile more than 70 per cent of agricultural lands in ontario are owned by peo ple 60plus attracting young people hinges on economic stability york region federation of agriculture spokesperson terry oconnor said youre just not going to get the young people if you dont make it economically viable mr oconnor said the huge financial crisis is hitting all of agriculture ks across all sectors and its unprecedented in any- staff photosteve somervule gormles john doner protests lack of funding for farmers at queens park this week bodys lifetime mr doner said something has to be put- in place if the return on a farmers goods fall below the cost of production mr oconnor said thats what riskmanagement is all about other countries have it its needed here york farmers are quick to point out the united states pay whatever it takes to make sure american citizens will get a safe and secure supply of food while governments in europe are also standing behind their producers in york region agricultur al officials continue to call for a riskmanagement pro gram especially for the grains and oil seeds sector of the industry york region has had the highest number of corn pro ducers in ontario theyre in desperate need mr ocon nor said farming in york region is serious business taking in dairy beef horse pork sheep poultry grain fruit and vegetables and mixed with more than 300 king has the largest number of farms while aurora has the least with less than 25 the income crisis has placed spring planting and the fate of rural businesses in jeopardy ontario federation of agriculture spokesperson ron bonnett said ontario and canadian governments must reestab lish the role of agriculture in ontarios economic future mr bonnett said decisions today will impact the future of ontarios food security and safety as well as the maintenance of the important role of agricul ture in ontarios economy including 650000 jobs he added earlier this month the province announced 125 million in shortterm aid for the farm sector the funding does not impress unified voice for agriculture spokesperson joe hickson it only addresses past shortfalls mr hickson said its for damage already incurred theres no indica tion of what they are doing for crops about to be put in the ground a a place in markham for people ages 16 and up to meet friends use a computer see movies learn to cook receive supportive counselling find out about local services a safe open and fun environment the living room is a program of the canadian mental health association york region call 90520 a member agency of united way of york region this message brought to you as a community service of economist suntribune tiike a twostep hack in time village order your tickets today i coil 905 472 7373 ext 6705 in support of markham stouitville hospital foundation proceeds from this years event will benefit programs education and equipment to diagnose breast cancer family support group meeting second tuesday of each month 700pm angus glen community centre 3990 major mackenzie drive east for more information please call 9058846930 or visit wwwschizophreniaonca this message brought to you as a community service of the economistsuntribune moving sale up to 70 everything must go big big sale on big flowers pots vases home decoration giftware home ware figurines souvenirs watches crystal jewellery cash garry lowest prices directly from manufacturers with guaranteed quality 210 cochrane drive unit7markham ont l3r8e6 hwy7 woodbine ph 9054705959 fax 905 780 1546 cit artech corp tmeofsale monday to sunday 1130am to430pm after sales period pis call for appointment 41 6 618 1085 4168281163 1000sof new dvds now instock vfree membership mags toys fine selection of marital aids more 2 for 1 rentals on sundays tuesdays 3 for 10 all other days biggest best selection 0fyj8pethside0ft0towr0 over 5000 videos in stock lowest prices in york region adult etopst 5261 hwy 7 markham 9054710221 oooooooooooooqoooooo