OFA Commentary #1705
Without a doubt, Ontario agriculture’s Unified Voice initiative is having a major impact on governments and farmers alike. At the most recent meeting of the group, there was unanimous agreement that when agriculture works together, good things happen. The commitment is to continue to make things happen.
There is common agreement among members that the Unified Voice must be maintained and improved. The discussions also focus on the best ways to keep people engaged in the issues and motivated to participate. This is viewed as essential in order to capture the interest of disenfranchised farmers feeling they are not being heard.
Development of a communication strategy for the Unified Voice is seen as essential. Plans call for a meeting of participating organization managers to further develop such a strategy. Leaders will continue to meet to discuss key issues and develop messages.
The grains and oilseeds sector has reported on its program development for 2005. A seven-member committee has been established to develop a program for presentation to government using the ag ministers’ regular July meeting as a target date. Sector leaders want the provincial government to accept details of this program in June and be prepared to work with the federal government on implementation.
A cost-of-production concept is being promoted by the grains and oilseeds sector as an essential ingredient for its producers.
Horticulture’s producers are meeting, preparing plans for presentation to government officials on Production Insurance or improved SDRM programs. The wide diversity of commodities in this sector make a single overall sector program difficult to identify.
A Production Insurance program is emerging as a common goal for most sectors with Self-Directed Risk Management continuing to be a viable option. Other forms of Production Insurance are also being examined by the red meat sector.
Early June is the target date for development of these initiatives in preparation for the ag ministers’ meeting in July.
The Unified Voice participants reviewed the terms of reference set out for the recently-named minister’s business risk management advisory committee. It has been agreed the matrix of issues from the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council should form the basis of presentations to the minister’s advisory committee.
A presentation was made from the National Safety Nets Advisory Committee about the CAIS program and concerns around the offset issue. Further information on that matter is expected soon from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
Details of accrual versus current inventory systems will be reviewed by the group when information is received from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. CAIS advances will also be reviewed.
Concerns of the Ontario Deer and Elk Farmers’ Association are being circulated as a Unified Voice issue. These producers are facing a looming disaster due to a regulatory change that will prohibit the harvest of trophy animals on farm.
The Unified Voice is emerging as a mindset that will shape the way we collectively deal with ag issues in Ontario. All farmers are welcome to stay informed on the issues and provide input to ensure the Unified Voice is the voice of all Ontario farmers.
~Ron Bonnett~
President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture