CFFO APPLAUDS GREEN ENERGY TAXATION DECISION
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
From a Release
GUELPH – The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is pleased with the government’s recently amended regulation regarding the property tax treatment of renewable energy projects, which is in line with what the organization has requested for a number of years.
The organization first developed its recommendation on the way solar panels are taxed in 2009, at which time it asked for property tax exemption for MicroFIT projects and equal treatment regardless of project location (rooftop, ground or pole mounted). According to Nathan Stevens, CFFO Research & Policy Advisor, “The government made the right move by ensuring no new assessment or taxes for rooftop installations and for MicroFIT projects owned by individuals for whom energy production is not the main business. The amendment results in fair treatment for those farmers who have made the investment and commitment to play a role in on-farm production of green energy and might encourage others to do the same.”
The CFFO maintains its position that a moratorium is needed on the development of any further wind power projects in Ontario until an independent human and animal health impact study has been completed. The CFFO has held that position since June of 2009, when the increase in number of reports of Wind Turbine Syndrome among rural residents living near new wind turbine projects became evident. CFFO Past-President Henry Stevens said at that time that the findings of the proposed study should be used to establish new regulations that will reduce the potential of harm while allowing renewable energy projects to proceed in a safe fashion.
The CFFO recently also submitted recommendations on five key areas in response to Ontario’s government invitation for comments on FIT and MicroFIT programming. These recommendations include support for strong reductions in FIT and microFIT pricing for solar and wind power and urge local flexibility in order to reflect the will of communities.
RED TAPE REPORT CARD SHOWS ONTARIO IS HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
01/27/12
This Week's Guest Commentary comes from Nathan Stevens, Research & Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.
The burden of over-regulation is wearing thin for many farmers in Ontario. Red tape is being sighted as a key constraint for small and medium businesses across Canada. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has made this issue one of their key issues, and published its annual report card on red tape in Canada earlier this month.
Perhaps surprisingly to some farmers, Ontario rated a B- this year, which is a substantial improvement over the C- from the 2011 report card. The CFIB report card measures a variety of factors in determining how well a province is doing. For example, does the government actively measure regulatory burden? Has it implemented an on-going measurement? Has it imposed constraints on regulators? Have they made regular accountability a political priority?
On the upside, the Premier promised to reduce red tape by 25 per cent in 2011 and considerable efforts were made to remove a large number of outdated regulations. Constraints were placed on regulators which require that for every new regulation imposed on business, two must be eliminated. Furthermore, proposed regulations must be posted for public comment, while new ones can only be implemented twice a year.
However, on the downside, there is no legislated requirement to report on regulatory burden annually, nor are their on-going measurements that are being used to measure the burden over time. This means that the relatively good score of B- this year may just be an anomaly, rather than the first step towards scoring an A.
The CFIB report also offers some insight on how to improve dealing with regulatory burden. One of the more interesting ideas is to have a cabinet minister focused on regulatory oversight. CFIB points out that we all take for granted the importance of a Ministry of Finance when it comes to handling the spending of government dollars. The CFIB draws a parallel arguing that a cabinet member focused on regulatory oversight could control the proliferation of regulations.
The CFIB report card is successfully raising awareness of the burden of over-regulation throughout Canada. It is important to remember that regulations have a role in assuring public safety, establishing industry standards and meeting a variety of other worthwhile objectives. However, there is also the need for businesses to be competitive in a global environment. Finding the right balance is the difficult task of all regulators.
MAJOR LIVESTOCK RESEARCH FACILITY PLANNED
01/30/12
From FCC Express, by Owen Roberts
Industry, government and the University of Guelph are coming together in Ontario to create a multi-million-dollar livestock research centre designed to emphasize sustainable animal agriculture systems.
Swine, beef and poultry are being cited as potential commodities for studies at the new Research and Innovation Centre, which will be built at the current site of Elora Research Station in Elora, Ont.
But dairy is the first group that’s stepping up to the plate to get involved.
“This represents a firm commitment to collaborative research with our industry, government and university partners,” says Bill Emmott, chair of Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Indeed, research has been a strong part of Canada’s dairy industry for decades; gains in dairy genetics, milk production and animal health have been significantly driven by research.
Such advancements prompted the creation of the research and innovation centre, which will be owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by University of Guelph, under its partnership agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“This world-class facility will position Ontario at the forefront of innovation and technology development in agri-food, particularly for livestock research,” says Rich Moccia, the university’s associate vice-president (strategic partnerships). “It’s an excellent example of the power of university, government and industry collaboration.”
The timing of the new facility comes when research sponsors elsewhere, such as the United States Department of Agriculture, are cutting back on support. At the same time Ontario’s agriculture minister Ted McMeekin was making the Elora research facility announcement at the Dairy Farmers of Ontario annual meeting, the USDA was trying to figure how it to manage closing 259 regional offices and cutting $150 million from its budget.
“We are the envy of other jurisdictions with our partnerships,” says ARIO chair Stewart Cressman. “Modernizing our research infrastructure with partners from government, the University of Guelph and industry is the only way we can work towards a prosperous, productive economy fuelled by the quality foods that our innovations yield.”
Indeed, agri-food is one of the leading economic drivers in Ontario, contributing $33 billion to the province’s gross domestic product and sustaining more than 700,000 jobs. The dairy industry alone contributes $5.5 billion to Canada’s GDP and 73,000 jobs.
Construction of the first phase of the new livestock research complex, involving both new facilities and renovations, is expected to begin later this year.
HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR LONGEST RUNNING PORK CONFERENCE IN NORTH AMERICA SET TO PRESENT “CELEBRATING 50 YEARS”
01/27/12
From a Release
Planning started in early 1962 with the first conference held on February 2, 1963 with 400 participants attending. The Swine and Pork industry was looking to the future with the vision of progressive producers, industry leaders and the assistance of the now Ridgetown Campus and OMAFRA staff, the “South Western Ontario Swine Conference” was born with the theme “Next Year’s Model”.
The conference has transformed in name and format, but through it all, it hasn’t strayed from its roots in producer focused information to grow and market a better carcass. The conference programs have followed the industry as it has adapted over the years to today’s model with the changing consumer driven standards for a leaner animal and consistent carcass size to superior quality and flavour. Producers who attend the conference take home information they can use to improve the management and profitability in their barns.
The first Conference chair Angus Campbell, Iona Station presided over a carcass evaluation session at that first conference. This year with an expected attendance of 125 people, the first of four sessions at the conference will feature Dr. Jim Morris, Ridgetown Campus, retired, who for many years was a guiding force within the conference committee will look back over some of the milestones of the conference while Richard Smelski will look at the indicators for the future of the industry toward the next 50 years.
John Van Engelen, Hog-Tied Farms Ltd of Lambton County will profile his operation as Winner of the Regional Premiers’ Award for Agrifood Innovation Excellence in 2010. Dr. Sue Burlatschenko, with present “Unforgettable Knowledge” and feature speaker James Hofer, Starlite Hutterite Colony Manager from Starbuck Manitoba will round out the conference program. There will also be a research update from Victor Limay-Rios, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus along with an industry trade show and a pork banquet celebrating the event.
Past conference committee chairs and members have been invited to reminisce and reacquaint along with archival photos and conference proceedings will be on display. The industry has celebrated highs and survived lows in the industry and the South Western Ontario Pork Conference has been part of that cycle for the past 50 years.
2012 conference chair Wouter Van Leeuwen, Ridgetown comments “We want producers to attend and learn and share information. This conference is for them. “Fifty years and still going. We can be proud as an industry and as producers” Doug Richards OMAFRA Swine Specialist and longtime committee member comments, reflecting on the success and the longevity of the conference. “As long as producers keep attending, we’ll keep having it”
The conference takes place on February 22, 2012 at the Rural Development Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus with a meet and greet registration at 3:30 p.m., Program: 4:15 - 9:15 p.m.
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
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TekTalk
HIGH DEMAND EXPECTED TO INCREASE FERTILIZER INPUT COSTS
01/30/12
From the Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine, by Casper Kaastra, General Manager, Agronomy Company of Canada
ontario farmers heading to the fields this spring will undoubtedly find fertilizer input costs higher than what they were a year ago. Ongoing strong global demand caused by tight grain reserves has been keeping the market buoyed since the purchasing cycle began in July of 2011. Fertilizer ending inventories were critically low coming out of the spring planting season and prices quickly moved up as sellers anticipated aggressive restocking programs in North America and Europe.
However, apprehension in global financial and credit markets has been providing a counterbalance to this generally bullish supply and demand picture. This has so far helped to keep a lid on aggressive price increases and is a contributing factor to market volatility that creates occasional market dips. However, buyers should stay close to the situation because fertilizer market fundamentals will eventually outweigh outside market influences and prompt availability will be the determinant of final trade values.
change from last year
Looking back a year ago, the fertilizer industry was working through relatively comfortable carryout inventories as they started buying for the 2011 crop. Purchase interest was strong, but evenly spread out over the second half of 2010 and the first half 2011. Price levels were low enough to encourage distributors to take ownership well in advance of seasonal demand.
Contrast this with the July-December timeframe of 2011. Demand in South America, China and the Indian Subcontinent was very robust and buyers interested in restocking warehouses in North America found limited product availability. Market prices reacted accordingly and have subsequently been trading near historical highs. Producers hoping to get ahead of this action would have had to purchase 2012 requirements even before planting their 2011 crop! This would be a difficult prospect given that fertilizer markets trade on a cash and space basis and have limited hedge mechanisms available to them.
waiting on demand
The risk of owning product too early in a market that is trading near its peak is what has been keeping forward buyers on the sidelines. Purchase activity in North America is running slightly behind pace of the previous year as buyers wait for end-user (farmer) demand to off-set a portion of this risk.
Falling behind too far would be worrisome for a market that has limited inventory to begin with and is anticipating plenty of demand. The US could plant upwards of 93 million acres of corn this year and has perhaps as much as 57 million acres of wheat already in the ground. This would indicate nitrogen demand will be near record levels in a few short months. Waiting too long to position supply could actually have a sharper sting than owning product too early.
As nitrogen prices are expected to decline through the second half of calendar year 2012, buyers will be apprehensive about having too much inventory left over after planting is complete. This adds further to an anticipated tight spring supply situation. In an environment where businesses are trying to operate with limited inventory, unexpected disruptions to supply or significant increases in demand would have dramatic effect.
new production
On the supply side, new production capacity is likely to keep prices from running up too wildly. The International Fertilizer Association predicts that there are as many as 250 projects in various stages of development globally that will increase fertilizer availability between now and end of 2015.
At least three new significant nitrogen plants are due to come on stream this year in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and phosphate buyers will benefit from expanded capacity in Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Potash producers also continue to increase output at existing mines. Although demand growth is not anticipated to decelerate any time soon, this increased supply is likely to help the fertilizer market drift down through the summer months.
Most of these factors are characteristically unpredictable. Consider the potential for civil unrest in the Middle East or labour action by transportation providers — these are potential drivers of short-term price volatility but are difficult to foretell. Changes in demand due to weather conditions or increased application rates are equally difficult to manage. When supply is tight, availability tends to overshadow price.
For the short term, buyers will be focused on putting the finishing touches on this spring’s purchases. Fertilizer suppliers in Ontario need to communicate closely with their customers to ensure product supply is in place at competitive prices. Understanding potential demand for the upcoming spring season will help to minimize the impact of market variables and will be part of the formula for keeping Ontario farmers competitive globally through 2012. •
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
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AgriLink Upcoming Events
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Event - CAFA Conference Date - February 2, 2012 Place - Anderson Links, Ottawa Contact Name - Liz Robertson, 877-474-2871 Email - info@cafanet.com Website - www.cafanet.com
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Event - Lambton 4-H Association Annual Chili Cook-off, Auction and Registration Night Date - February 3, 2012 Time - 5:30 PM Place - Wyoming Fair Building Contact Name - Debbie Coke: Chilli Entries – 519-683-4569 Email - debbiecoke@gmail.com Alt Contact Name - Julie Maw: 519-867-5234 Alt Email - julie@juliemaw.com
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Event - Elgin Federation of Agriculture Annual Banquet and Awards Date - February 4, 2012 Time - 6:00 PM Place - St. Anne's Centre, Morrison Drive, St. Thomas Contact Name - 519-633-0114 Email - 1 Website - 1 Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - Middlesex Pork Producers' Annual Meeting Date - February 6, 2012 Time - 5:30 PM Place - Coldstream Community Centre Contact Name - 1 Email - 1 Website - 1 Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - Canadian International Farm Show Date - February 7,2012 to February 9, 2012 Place - Toronto Website - http://www.masterpromotions.ca/Previous-Events/canadian-international-farm-show-2012/
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Event - 0SCIA Annual Meeting Date - February 7,2012 to February 8, 2012 Time - All Day Event Place - Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre 591 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6C 4R3 Website - http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/default.htm
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Event - Canadian Food Summit 2012 Date - February 7,2012 to February 8, 2012 Place - Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Website - http://www.conferenceboard.ca/conf/12-0018/default.aspx
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Event - Poultry Producer Update Date - February 8, 2012 Place - London Contact Name - 1 Email - 1 Website - http://www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca/events/producerupdates.php. Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - Soil Test Clinic with Peter Johnson-Sponsored by Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association & Essex Conservation Club > Date - February 10, 2012 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Committee Room C- Essex County Civic and Education Centre Contact Name - RSVP Michael Dick 519-776-5209, ext 369 Email - mdick@erca.org
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Event - Chatham-Kent 4-H Rally Night Date - February 11, 2012 Time - 7:30 PM Place - University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, Rudy Brown Rural Development Building Contact Name - 519-352-2950
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Event - Species at Risk Workshop Date - February 11, 2012 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus Contact Name - Bernie Solymár, Workshop Co-ordinator, Carolinian Canada Coalition 519-426-7124
Email - wildlife@carolinian.org Website - www.carolinian.org Alt Contact Name - a Alt Email - a Alt Website - a
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Event - Lambton Dairy Producers Annual Meeting Date - February 13, 2012 Time - 10:30 AM Place - Wyoming Legion, 493 Erie Street
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Event - Elgin Pork Producers’ Annual Meeting Date - February 15, 2012 Time - 7:00 PM Place - Keystone Complex Shedden Contact Name - Murray Buis at 519-773-5101 Email - 1 Website - 1 Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - National Farm Machinery Show Date - February 15,2012 to February 18, 2012 Place - Louisville, KY Website - http://www.farmmachineryshow.org
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Event - Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention Date - February 22,2012 to February 23, 2012 Place - Scotiabank Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls, Ontario Contact Name - x Email - x Website - http://www.ofvc.ca Alt Contact Name - x Alt Email - x Alt Website - x
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Event - Ont. Cattlemen’s Convention Date - February 22,2012 to February 23, 2011 Place - Plaza AB, Doubletree Hotel, Toronto
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Event - Middlesex Crops Update & Annual Meeting Date - February 22, 2012 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Coldstream Community Centre Contact Name - 1 Email - 1 Website - 1 Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - South Western Ontario Pork Conference: Date - February 22, 2012 Time - 4:30 PM Place - Ridgetown Campus Contact Name - Ag Business Centre at 1 866 222 9682 Email - abc@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca Website - www.ridgetownc.com/abc/docs/SWOPCRegForm.pdf Alt Contact Name - 1 Alt Email - 1 Alt Website - 1
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Event - South Western Ontario Dairy Symposium, Date - February 23, 2012 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Woodstock Fairgrounds, Woodstock Website - www.dairysymposium.com
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Event - Seed Corn Growers of Ontario Annual Meeting Date - February 23, 2012 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Deer Run Golf Club Contact Name - 519.352.6710
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Event - New York Farm Show Date - February 23,2012 to February 25, 2011 Place - Syracuse, NY Contact Name -
Website - http://www.newyorkfarmshow.com
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Event - Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario Annual Conference Date - February 28,2012 to February 29, 2012 Place - London Website - www.ifao.com
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Event - Growing the Margins Conference Date - March 5,2012 to March 7, 2012 Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - x Email - x Website - http://www.gtmconference.ca/site/index.php/growing-the-margins Alt Contact Name - x Alt Email - xx Alt Website - x
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Event - Western Fair Farm Show Date - March 7,2012 to March 9, 2012 Place - Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London, ON Website - http://www.westernfair.com/shows/farm.
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Event - GFO March Classic Date - March 19,2012 to March 20, 2012 Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - c Email - 1 Website - www.ontariograinfarmer.ca Alt Contact Name - c Alt Email - c Alt Website - c
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Event - Avoiding Farm Succession Planning Minefields Date - March 22, 2012 Time - 9:00 AM Place - St Thomas Business Resource Centre, 300 South Edgeware Road Contact Name - Elgin Business Resource Centre, 519-633-7597 ext 326 Email - dwebster@elgincfdc.ca Website - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/conference/buswkshpsuccession.htm
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Event - 4-H Conference and Annual Meeting Date - March 23,2012 to March 25, 2012
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Event - Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (BIC) International Conference Date - March 26,2012 to March 28, 2012 Place - Holiday Inn in Sarnia Website - www.bicsarnia.ca
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Event - Cashing in Through Grain Marketing - Add to Your Business Bottom Line Date - March 27, 2012 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus, Willson Hall Contact Name - Krista Gladstone, Program Coordinator, Ag Business Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus/ C-K Economic Development Services, Telephone: 519-674-1500, Ext. 63597 Fax : 519-674-1512 Email - kgladsto@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - London Swine Conference Date - March 28,2012 to March 29, 2012 Place - London Convention Centre Contact Name - Linda Dillon @ 519-482-3333 Email - linda.dillon@ontario.ca Website - www.londonswineconference.ca
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Event - Ontario Institute of Agrologists Convention Date - March 30,2012 to March 31, 2012 Place - Barrie
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Event - Poultry Industry Show Date - April 11,2012 to April 12, 2012 Place - Western Fair Entertainment Centre, London, ON Website - http://www.westernfair.com/shows/poultry.html
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Event - CAFA Conference Date - June 7, 2012 Place - Woodstock Contact Name - Liz Robertson, 877-474-2871 Email - info@cafanet.com Website - www.cafanet.com
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To view these listings online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink_events.cfm
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John Jordan
Editor, AgriLink and Farm Market News
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Tel. 519-674-1500 x 63577
Fax. 519-674-1530
E-mail: jjordan@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
AgriLink website : www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink
