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OEA Commentary Betty Jean Crews OFA anxious to meet with government The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is anxious tu work on a direction for the provincial govemmnr that wiIl demnonstrate a serious commitment and provide positive results for agriculture in Ontario. We're working with Ontario commodiiy orgattizations to devel- op a focused agenda ta form the basis for a meeting with Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Ontario minister of agriculture and food. A series of budget-cutting announcemenis by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff over the summer months has left Ontario farmers wtth serious doubts about the support this gov- emment has for agriculture. As OFA Presidcnî Ron Bonneti said recently. "Fariners cannai allard ta he frustrated by program antd regulatory uncertaînty.' Premier McGuinly told Mr. Boonett and other farmn leaders aîtending thse recent international plowing match as Meaford that he and the ministcr are wîllhng ta meet ta discuss plans for agri- culture's future. We're working 00W with govemmeni staff ta arrange a roundtable session where we hope tii esîablish a positive direction for agriculture and Ontario's economy. Following discussions with aur pantner commodiiy organiza- tions, three pnimary topir areas have been identified for presenta- lion t0 Premier McGuiniy and the minister. We want ta talk about presering fartning's viability. We want ta ialk about regulatory cuîmplîance issues such as ihose lot recent envîroomenial require- ments. and about food safety - aIl tsImajor importance, nai only ta agriculture's future. but also ta strengthenîng the prasînce's economy and meeting consumer demands. lu a recent leiter ta Premier McGuiy. the OFA stated: "Ai invesiment of time and resources in the taon seilai is a positive investmenti n Ontario's future.'* Indivîdual comntotity leaders, in addition ta highlighiing the obviaus income-related issues sucb as BSE and declioing cam- modity prices, spoke abtiut opportunities. Biofuels. industrial products from agricuîlture and branded high quality food produets werc identiiied as prioriiy investmeni areas that need ta be pant of an overaîl agricultaral straiegy. The roundiable Premier McGuinty and the mînister have com- miîted ta aîiending is necessary ta provide assurance ta farmers that they do have a business future in Ontario. Untît now. the Iack of meaningf'ul communication with farmers bas created a culture oI misirust, frustraion and anger among Ontario farmers. As farmers. we recognize tIse pressure osn govemments ta create the appearauce tif decisiveness by implemeniing a strong regula- tory sysîem in respanse îo citizens' cancemri. This systetu must recognî.'e that theî e wsill be economic and other impacts on pro- ducers. Govertments and producers mnusi enstîre that regulattons desetoped are reasonable. eftectise and econornically susiainable. 'fli recently-releaseui Haines report is just anc aI a numbher ot food safetv-îelated initiatives that will havse impact ou the lartu cotmmunity. These prograins can't be developed in isolation. Issues af overlap. effectiveness and cost must be part of impIe- meniaion discussions. Withoui comprehensive answers on ihese issues. the future via- biliiy of farming can't be deiermined and facmers can't accurately plan iheir future. We look forward ta meeting wtth Premier McGuinty and the minisier this faîl ta develop tce important details and the future progratus farmers need ta plan their future. Bette Jean Crivis s.s a niernber of the Onîtar io Federation of Agriulture exeut i amînitiee. Church holds dinner Hungry for some greai food and quality family time? Ebenezer United Church, 12274 Guelph Line. will hold its ira- ditional roast heef dinner buffet Satarday. It will feature home baked pies. ice creatu and other foods and beverages. The dinner will be served beiween 4:45 and 7:303 p.m. Tickets cost $1 2.501 lor adulis. $7.503 for students and $3.503 for childeen. Tickets can also be bought ai the door.For advanced tickets, caîl (519) 824-3770 or (9015) 854-2423. Leam how totak to others aboutthirmltng CALL THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY'S TOLL-FRtt SMOKERS' HELPLINE 1-877-513-5333 Champion Country, Tuesday, November 2, 2004-15 Look for this informative supplement in the November issue of your local Business Timnes Newspaper or Shp ,-éais Ec email careers@metrolnd.com __ for a foee copy. OrcleryourTW ChrATImNS FuihnT nILTO g.oioir IN xgem«m" P"rm. IÀ&