Search for improved farmin come c ntinues The scarch for improved incomes for Ontario farmers is ongoing, and may take more time than many farmers are prepared to wait. Last month, representatives from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) were giving a preview of the com- plexities they face in the search for more income for their fartners. It was all part of a two-day session organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), charged with understanding the factors affecting the cur- rent and future farm income prospects. An impressive agenda of international presen- ters provided their views of influences impacting farm income, today and into the future - everything from domestic regula- tions to global market forces. Expectations voiced by participants for positive results from CAPI may be impos- sible to achieve because of the enormity of the forces at play internationally. Agriculture is so much more than just the production of food. As the sessions progressed, it became obvious how big an influence U.S. farm programs have on Canadian farm incomes. Overcoming this influence will be given priority because of the dependence on cross-border trade in some commodities. Emerging export dominance by coun- tries such as Brazil is another huge com- petitive feature Canadian farmers must contend with as they search for improved retums from the market place. Protection of domestic producers from cheaper imports from countries with lower envi- ronmental, food safety and labour stan- dards may have to be considered. Ontario farmers are the losers when products imported from such countries are allowed into Canada. With the packaging and labeling done in Canada, the sugges- tion is that the contents are the product of Canada. Our govemment must do more to protect Canadian producers and consumers in these circumstances. OFA Paul Mistele Commentary Presenters at the CAPI forum appeared to ignore the importance of Canada's sup- ply management system. Future sessions need to recognize and discuss the role our supply management programas have played in providing profitability for some sectors of Ontario agriculture. There are clear examples of producers playing a key role in establishing successful farm product marketing systems. Discussions at the CAPI forum suggest- ed Canadian agriculture needs to shift away from particular commodity market- ing systems, and instead turn to value- added processing production systems. For this to happen, regulations encouraging value-added production will be needed - everything from farm assessment review guidelines that govern modification to pro- cessing facilities. The CAPI forum presen- tations dealt with agriculture labour issues. It became clear that a highly skilled farm labour force is critical for a successful and profitable sector in Canada. No mention was made at the CAPI forum of who the next generation of Canadian farmers will be or how they will get into agriculture. This is a significant factor to be considered in the future of farming in Canada, and must be part of future CAPI discussions. Another session examined the varying levels of profitability on today's farms with the conclusion that efforts need to be made to improve management skills for all farm- ers. The OFA and its national partner, the CFA, will continue to be involved in the search for ways of improving the prof- itability of farming in Ontario. Paul Mistele is vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. We believe... in helping. Anyone. Anywhere. PLEA:jj:SE' G5E 1-8832-33 Champion Country, Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - A19 3M The Ontario Fire Code nra|Snoke ~iarPre3uires that evey home Its rhe Law. tsi oandlen. wr cottagle todayl Milton Youth Soccer Club MYSC is now accepting applications for Rep and Select team Head Coaches for the 2006 Season, the following age groups are eligible. Coaches must be certified at the OSA Community Senior level or higher. Deadline for submitting applications is August. 1, 2005. Girls Ul1 - 1995 (2005 All-star team) U12 - 1994 (2005 Ail-star team) U14 - 1992 (2005 Rep team) U15 - 1991 (2005 Select team) U17 - 1989 (2005 Rep team) Ul0 - 1996 (2005 All-star team) Ul1 - 1995 (2005 Rep team) U12 - 1994 (2005 Rep team) U13 - 1993 (2005 Rep team) U14 - 1992 (2005 Rep team) U16 - 1990 (2005 Ail-star team) U17 - 1989 (2005 Select team) Please download application form from our website at www.miltonmagic.com and drop off in gray mail box at MYSC office located in the Milton Leisure Centre (main lobby) or contact Martin Warner at 905-878-5698. ý1_t_