For Immediate Release: Lambton Farmers Heading to Agriculture Rally in Toronto
February 18, 2005
Petrolia, ON: On March 2, 2005 farmers from all across the province are planning to rally at Queen’s Park in Toronto to show a united stand of farm organizations and commodity groups to the Ontario government. Lambton County will definitely have a presence at this rally.
These groups have joined in solidarity to lobby the provincial government on issues critical to their survival. Obviously this crisis has been the news for several weeks in rural Ontario. Here in Lambton the various sectors are suffering from the low commodity prices for grains and oil seeds and the BSE crisis. The farm groups want to speak with one voice to address these concerns.
Eight points have been targeted as immediate needs of Ontario farmers.
- an immediate cash payment to grains and oilseeds farmers of $300 million for the 2004 crop price disaster, to prevent farm closures
- a workable Production Insurance program for horticulture
- immediate payment of the $121 million promised by both levels of government to tobacco growers to start rationalizing the industry
- a CAIS program that delivers real income support on a timely basis
- delay of the Nutrient Management Act to enable workable changes and realistic funding levels
- elimination of water taking permit fees for agricultural use
- postponement of the Greenbelt Protection Act to enable a review of farming viability factors
- an open border to the U.S. and others for live ruminant animals
Representatives from several of the county commodity groups and the National Farmers Union came together this week at a planning meeting hosted by the Lambton Federation of Agriculture.
To help cover the cost of buses, this joint committee is fundraising from local businesses to make this trip a reality. The Lambton Federation of Agriculture is spearheading the organization of buses to Toronto and all interested individuals are being encouraged to participate in this strategy to save the agricultural industry in Ontario.
There will be bus stops at Becher, Rutherford, Brigden, Alvinston, Watford, Wyoming and Taxandria. To ensure that you have a seat reserved on one of the buses, sign up sheets are available at local agribusiness locations. For further details, please contact the bus coordinators for your area.
Wyoming – Ray Latta (542-7265), George Dickenson (344-7858)
Taxandria – Debbie Gilliard (786-5462), Chris Williamson (296-4814)
Becher / Rutherford – Barry McFadden (692-3918), Don Lunn (359-0251)
Alvinston – Tom Lassaline (844-2890)
Brigden – Ralph Eyre (864-4073), Tom Wilson (862-3662)
Watford – Dennis Bryson (828-3311), John Straatman (849-5611)
LFA Secretary – Marilyn Jones (847-5915)
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