OFA Commentary #0305
Historically, farmers are peaceful and respectful people, satisfied to work hard, in return expecting a fulfilling life for themselves and their families. Circumstances in recent years have placed them and their families in a devastating economic situation.
Frustration is quickly turning to anger for farmers because of low commodity prices and a feeling of isolation. Farmers and their families are seeing their futures in farming jeopardized, and they want governments to work with them in developing solutions.
After a discussion at the January meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the directors rejected any activity that would jeopardize public safety and risk personal liability for farmers.
OFA knows the severity of agriculture’s economic woes, and has demanded that both provincial and federal governments solve this problem of farm viability. Part of the solution is modifying safety net programs so that they work effectively. The real problem is that farmers are not getting fair returns from the marketplace. This was documented in the recent Compare The Share study update.
The intense financial pressure that is being felt by farmers is further aggravated by increasing government regulations that are undermining farm profitability. Governments must ensure that all regulations are effective, reasonable, and affordable.
Circumstances are prompting some farmers to take part in acts of civil disobedience they hope will make government sit up and pay attention. These demonstrations could backfire.
Governments respond to public pressure, and acts of civil disobedience have the potential of alienating the public. When this happens, governments feel no need to pay attention or respond.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has been aggressively taking agriculture’s needs to governments and will continue. We are telling MPs and MPPs that the viability of agriculture is key to the future of the industry. If measures are taken to ensure the future viability of farming, OFA believes farmland will be protected, environmental investments will be made and economic prosperity will return to rural Ontario.
The OFA Board of Directors acknowledged the frustration farmers are experiencing now and talked about the key issues that must be addressed. These include:
- ensuring that the implementation and application of nutrient management rules are done in a way that addresses the concerns the farm community has repeatedly raised
- recognizing that environmental benefits provided by farmers offset any need for administrative charges on water taking permits
- restoring confidence of the government / farmer partnership by re-establishing long-term investment in drainage infrastructure
- immediately implementing an action plan to address the farm income crisis.
OFA and our commodity partners are prepared to work on these solutions, but we must do it as equal partners with governments.
Civil disobedience may be a way of relieving the frustration and anger that exists. Addressing the issues that are causing this frustration and anger will not be done on Highway 401. This must be done by elected officials and the farm community working together.
~Ron Bonnett~
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture