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"WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2000-17 Hard-hit growers call on Ottawa for support Forums show concerns among farmers: OFA With capacity attendance at 11 farmer information meet- ings across the province, "we can take it as a true sign farm- ers are concerned about their future," says Bill Mailloux, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Vice-President. He was talking about the recent series of meetings orga- nized jointly by the OFA and the grains and oilseeds com- modity organizations in the province. Attendance ranged from almost 500 in Tilbury for the opening meeting to an average of 325 for the next 10 loca- tions. A meeting was held Aug. 16 in Port Perry. At the meetings, farmers told their MPs and MPPs that severe crop damage due to weather, and commodity prices that continue to plummet, threaten to put many of them out of business if there are no improvements to government Herbs, honey mix at Richter' support programs. Provincial Agriculture Minister Emie Hardeman told a meeting in Woodstock that the provincial government will continue to match the federal contribution to programs on a 40/60 basis. But Mr. Mailloux said the province's 40 per cent share is only a minimum requirement and "there is no agree- ment preventing the province from increasing its share." Federal Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief, speaking at a meeting in Belleville, said the federal government's safety net spending has increased from $600 million per year to over $1.1 billion with the most recent agreement. The OFA responds that ag spending was over $4 billion in the 80s, and has been on the decline since. "This despite the fact the federal government is now showing a budget surplus, and the U.S. and European Union have increased their spending on agriculture dramatically, putting Ontario farmers are a competitive disadvantage," said Mr. Mailloux. He said OFA was not surprised to hear farmers tell their federal and provincial politicians that program improve- ments and adequate program funding have to be made gov- ernment priorities. "That's what the farm organizations have been telling the governments all along," Mr. Mailloux said. The OFA will continue to lobby MPs and MPPs, both rural and urban, and "will not let up until proper program changes are made to keep Ontario farmers.competitive," says OFA President Jack Wilkinson. On Sept. 24 Richters Herbs will present a free lecture on Herbs and honey. Ted and Joan (and their bees) will discuss favourite herbs which make good bee plants. Get the "buzz" There will be an actual liv- ing hive to teach all age groups how honey is pro- duced. Richters Herbs, is locat- ed at Hwy. 47, Bloomington Road, just east of Goodwood. For more information call (905) 640-6677. on how to incorporate honey into your receipts. TT Goodwood Gardens Greenhouses The Usual and the Unusual 25 Years Fall Festival Weekend I'ree Family Events 1974 1999 Saturday, Sept. 16 Family Concert 11 a.m. with John Cavers Seminar 2 p.m. The Art of Putting Your Roses to Bed with Cecil Lamrock Children's Activities 2 p.m. with Vicki Taylor-Scott Sunday, Sept. 17 Family Concert 2 p.m. with John Cavers Seminar 2 p.m. Falling in Love with Fall: Fall Decorating with Vicki Taylor-Scott Snacks and Lunch Available From Residents Council, Uxbridge Versa Care Food Booth Redeem Fall Festival Dollars Thousands of garden mums, bulbs, verennials, shrubs and more i y #378 Hwy 47, 1 km east of Goodwood (905) 640-4852 Open Daily 9-5 *Finance example: $10,000 financed at 0.9% per annum equals $281.64 per month for 36 months. C.0.8. is $139.05 for an obligation of $10,139.05, Available on new 20 PIO SERN Lb Rs Fr TAD 90 models on 0.A.C. from Toyota Credit Canada Inc.