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GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO STRUGGLES WITH BILL PASSING SECOND READING
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
From a ReleaseGUELPH – Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) is greatly disappointed with the result of the second reading of bill C-474 last night. The bill passed last evening with 153 voting in favour and 134 opposed. The bill now goes to the Agriculture Standing Committee for review.
Bill C-474 calls for an amendment to the Seeds Regulations to require that an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted. A GFO's CEO Barry Senft says the effect of this bill will be to introduce non science-based criteria to Canada’s evaluation and approval process for biotech seeds. A move in this direction would represent a serious and dangerous departure from a science based regulatory approach – an approach that has served farmers well in defending Canada’s ability to export agricultural production to other countries.
“A move to depart from a science-based regulatory approach would be an open invitation for other countries to impose non-science based trade barriers on Canada’s grain exports” says Senft.
Bill C-474 would eliminate advantages now enjoyed by Ontario farmers and consumers by introducing unpredictable factors into the regulatory process. The bill could indefinitely delay all future approvals on the basis that there may be one country somewhere that would not accept genetically modified crops.
A coalition of farm groups, including GFO, opposed to bill C-474 will take the time prior to their testimony at the Agriculture Standing Committee to build a strong case against the bill and to ensure farmers from across Canada are represented on the issue.
Farmers are encouraged to contact GFO for more information and arrange a meeting with their local MP to discuss the impact this issue will have on Ontario farmers.
BILL C-474 PUTS R&D AT RISK
04/15/10
From a Release
Ottawa, Thursday April 15, 2010 - The Canadian Seed Trade Association is very concerned that the vote in the House of Commons to approve Bill C-474 at 2nd Reading could jeopardize innovation that can benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. Bill C-474 is a Private Members Bill that proposes to amend Canadian Seeds Regulations to require an export market assessment before any new genetically modified varieties could be approved for sale. Last night’s vote to support the Bill at 2nd Reading takes it one step closer to becoming law.
Canada is a leader in the development and adoption of technology. In 1995 we became the first country in the world to produce crops developed through modern biotechnology. Now, more than 17 million acres in Canada are planted with genetically enhanced canola, corn and soybeans. This new technology has enhanced yield, improved nutritional qualities and reduced the environmental footprint of these crops.
“Canada’s science based health and safety assessment system has been the foundation of that success,” says Dave Sippell, CSTA President. “Bill C-474 threatens our science based regulatory system and the future innovations that it will enable. If this Bill becomes law, at best, it can delay regulatory approval of promising new plant varieties. At worst, these new varieties could be commercialized somewhere other than Canada.”
In 2007, the CSTA’s member companies invested over $56 million in plant breeding and research. CSTA’s member companies expected to almost double that investment by 2012. Much of the focus of the new research is on varieties, such as Omega 3 soybeans, that could deliver healthier products for the diets of Canadians and the world; and on varieties like high amylase corn that can help increase the production of renewable energy sources. “Non-Science based regulatory requirements could put this all at risk, effectively placing Canada’s innovation agenda into the hands of politicians in other countries,” says Sippell.
The House Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food was in the midst of a comprehensive study on biotechnology and genetically modified products before Christmas. CSTA was invited to appear. We are convinced that members seeking information around biotechnology would have received more comprehensive information by continuing with this study, than it will through hearings on a very narrowly focused piece of legislation. Nevertheless, CSTA will welcome the opportunity to present its concerns when the Committee begins its hearings.
HISTORIC NDP GMO BILL PASSES CRUCIAL VOTE
04/16/10
From a Release
Ed Note: AgriLink does present both sides of the issue. More to come!
OTTAWA – A private members bill to protect farmers by calling for an analysis of potential harm to export markets prior to approving new genetically engineered seeds has passed second reading in the House of Commons. Bill C-474, proposed by New Democrat Agriculture Critic Alex Atamanenko (BC-Southern Interior), will move to committee for further study.
“Despite intense lobbying efforts by the biotech industry and the Conservative government to nip this bill in the bud, the opposition parties voted instead to protect the economic interests of farmers,” said Atamanenko. “I couldn’t be happier that Parliament has made this historic decision.”
This is the first time a bill to change the rules on GMOs has passed second reading in the House.
Atamanenko believes that the government‘s science-only approach to how GMO’s are regulated is irresponsible because it completely ignores market considerations.
“It was the government’s lax regulatory process that allowed GE Triffid flax to shut out Canadian flax exports from its key markets that really hurt farmers,” declared the bill’s author,” explained Atamanenko. “For the first time, Parliament has a chance to seriously consider a regulatory mechanism that will ensure farmers are never again faced with rejection in our export markets because we allow the introduction of GE technologies that they have not approved.”
ONTARIO FARMLAND VALUES RISE AGAIN
04/15/10
From Farms.com
Guelph, Ontario – The average value of farmland in Ontario increased by 3.3 per cent in the second half of 2009, following gains of 2.8 and 1.9 per cent in the two previous reporting periods, according to the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Farmland Values Report released today. Published twice a year, the report provides important information about changes in land values across Canada. Land is one of the major assets required for agricultural production.
Ontario farmland values have been rising since 1993 and increased by an average of 0.5 per cent per month during 2009.
Overall, the average value of Canadian farmland increased 3.6 per cent during the last six months of 2009. Farmland values remained the same or increased in each province. Manitoba experienced the highest average increase at 5.9 per cent. The complete report is available at www.farmlandvalues.ca.
“Information in the Farmland Values Report is an indicator of how the market for land is evolving across Canada and also how producers react to market dynamics,” says Rémi Lemoine, FCC Senior Vice-President, Portfolio and Credit Risk. “This report can help Canadians make more informed farm business management decisions about acquiring, holding, renting or selling agriculture land.”
A recent FCC Vision Panel survey showed that almost six in ten producers (58 per cent) both own and rent the land where their production is located. The survey, completed in November 2009 by 971 producers across the country, revealed that almost half of producers who indicated that they rent some or all of their land (45 per cent) rent more land now than five years ago. However, producers from Quebec (55 per cent) and the Atlantic provinces (60 per cent) are significantly more likely than most other provinces to report that they are renting about the same amount of land as they were five years ago. For more detail about the FCC Vision Panel survey findings, visit www.fccvision.ca/research.
“Low interest rates, favourable grain prices and high yields generated continued demand for Canada's high quality farmland. These factors, in addition to the limited availability of quality farmland for sale, are some of the reasons farmland values continue to increase,” Lemoine adds.
In the last three semi-annual reporting periods, farmland values in Canada increased by an average of 5.6 per cent in spring 2009, 2.9 per cent in fall 2009 and 3.6 per cent in spring 2010. The FCC Farmland Values Report has been published since 1984.
INTERPRETING A NON-REPORT
04/16/10
This week's guest commentary comes from Mark Wales, Vice-President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Traditionally, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada issues its forecast for farm incomes each February – in time to give farmers an opportunity to better understand our industry situation and develop business plans taking the projections into account. In short, this government data is a part of our business planning process.
Without explanation, there was no forecast of farm incomes for 2010 from federal authorities.
In previous years, there was usually some good news. In 2008, net cash income was projected to rise by six per cent to $7.5 billion; for 2009 an increase of four per cent was projected. Some other figures contained in the report showed Realized net income going up by 16 per cent from 2007 levels to $2.5 billion in 2008, and then up another four per cent in 2009.
Total net income was forecast at a record $5.1 billion in 2008, but then dropping to $1.2 billion in 2009. The report indicated total family income per farm family remaining stable for 2008 and 2009.
Net value added is agriculture’s contribution to the national economy’s production of goods and services. For 2008, that was projected to increase by 49 per cent, but to fall by 27 per cent in 2009.
The report has significance as it projects operating expenses – something that’s very important to farmers. As an example, farm operating expenses were predicted to increase by 13 per cent in 2008 over the previous year, and then fall by three per cent to $36.9 billion in 2009.
Without at report for 2010, farmers are left without an official benchmark as they plan their production for the year. Program payments to producers were projected to drop by three per cent in 2008, but increase by two per cent in 2009. With no report for 2010, farmers and their organizations are left guessing what might happen – not a comfortable situation.
In an overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System in 2009, the report said agriculture “continues to play an important role in the federal and provincial economies, making a significant contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment.” For 2008, the sector provided one in eight jobs in Canada and accounted for 8.1 per cent of total GDP.
Those are valuable statistics for agriculture and Canadians to know and understand. It’s what organizations like the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition has been using when we talk to governments about the value of Canadian agriculture – figures that indicate a real value of what farmers do for the country and its people.
Now, however, without a report for 2010, what sort of picture can farm organizations present to society and to politicians? What are the projections telling policy makers? Do the projections further demonstrate the need for changes to the Business Risk Management programs that we know are not functioning well for the majority of Ontario farmers? We don’t know. They have been held up somewhere along the line.
In the highlights section of the overview for the 2009 report, we’re told that: “Any changes in commodity markets can therefore have impacts on the performance of primary agriculture and the whole supply chain.” That is exactly the argument of the Coalition – that primary agriculture’s economic well-being is critical to the viability of the whole supply chain.
Our message is clear – that bankable and predictable risk management programs are needed by Ontario farmers to help us sustain the hundreds of thousands of jobs relying on our products.
This report should be viewed as a critical tool for both governments and producers – it provides an essential measurement of the sector, should be used as a barometer against which programs must be measured and it helps us understand our role in the general economy. Will there be a report for 2010?
FARMZONWHEELZ TRAVELLING TO RIDGETOWN TO CELEBRATE LEARNING
04/13/10
From a Release
The Ontario Farm Animal Council's FarmzOnWheelz will be making a stop at Ridgetown District High School April 28 - May 1. FarmzOnWheelz, OFAC's 600 square foot mobile interactive exhibit, was built with the help of the designers and engineers at Toronto's Ontario Science Centre. FarmzOnWheelz, shows teenagers and their families that farmers are modern, innovative, and adaptive.
"We really try to engage and excite people about agriculture," said Sue McLarty, project manager with the Ontario Farm Animal Council "Farmers are not Old McDonald!"
Employing user-friendly touchscreen computers and a variety of hands-on displays, the FarmzOnWheelz exhibit teaches visitors that science and technology have a direct relation with agriculture. "While our primary target is teens, the exhibit has something for everyone" McLarty states.
The "Farming Fuels the Future" display uses a real biodigester to show how liquid dairy manure can be transformed and generate enough electricity to power an iPod. "We have the only poop-powered iPod out there," says McLarty. "What's for Dinner?" allows visitors to select a meal from a buffet of menu options. Once they have "virtually" filled their plate, the visitor is given a summary on nutrient value in the chosen meal that is based on Canada's Food Guide. The summary also touches on where the food comes from, encouraging visitors to consider how their food choices affect the planet. The exhibit is rounded out with virtual "farm tours", a "spinbrowser" allowing visitors to control and view a library of videos, and surprising "weird stuff" from the farm.
FarmzOnWheelz is being sponsored by the school councils of Ridgetown District High School and Ridgeview Moravian Elementary School. "We are very excited to host Farmz for our Celebrate Learning" program, a school and community based event." says Susan Kelner, chair of RDHS school council. On April 28 - 30, area schools are invited to schedule a guided tour of Farmz followed by a tour of University of Guelph's, Ridgetown campus by contacting RDHS @ 519-674-5449. FarmzOnWheelz will be open to the public on Saturday, May 1 from 9 am - 4 pm.
Funding for the FarmzOnWheelz project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) Program. The CARD Program is administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Other project sponsors include the Ontario Market Investment Fund and many industry partners.
IN INDIA, WAL-MART GOES TO THE FARM
04/13/10
From the New York Times
HAIDER NAGAR, India -- At first glance, the vegetable patches in this north Indian village look no different from the many small, spare farms that dot the country.
But up close, visitors can see some curious experiments: insect traps made with reusable plastic bags; bamboo poles helping bitter gourd grow bigger and straighter; and seedlings germinating from plastic trays under a fine net.
These are low-tech innovations, to be sure. But they are crucial to the goals of the benefactor — Wal-Mart — that supplied them.
Two years after Wal-Mart came to India, it is trying to do to agriculture here what it has done to industries around the world: change business models by using its hyper-efficient practices to improve productivity and speed the flow of goods.
Not everyone is happy about the company’s presence here. Many Indian activists and policy makers abhor big-box retailing, fearing that it will drive India’s millions of shopkeepers out of business. Some legislators are suspicious of the company’s motives. The government still does not allow Wal-Mart Stores and other foreign companies to sell directly to consumers.
But Wal-Mart is persisting because its effort in India is critical to its global growth strategy. Confronted with saturated markets in the United States and other developed countries, the company needs to establish a bigger presence in emerging markets, like India, where modern stores make up just 5 percent of the country’s retail industry.
Establishing good relations with farmers is a centerpiece of the company’s plans. Though Wal-Mart is pushing many of its traditional products in India, like clothes, electronics and home goods, perhaps none is as essential as food. Wal-Mart needs high-quality produce at low prices to draw customers in volume.
The challenges are significant. Buying and transporting produce are difficult tasks because India has millions of small-scale farmers and an agriculture system riddled with middlemen.
WORLD RECORD TRACTOR PARADE PLANNED AT DRESDEN
04/19/10
From the Chatham Daily New
DRESDEN — Seeing a tractors on rural roads around Chatham-Kent is nothing new.
However, the Dresden branch of the Canadian Cancer Society will try to transform this routine occurrence into somewhat of a spectacle on July 24.
The group, which held its 20th annual Dresden Cancer Fun Auction on Saturday, took the opportunity to announce plans to try to set a Guinness World record for holding the largest parade of tractors ever seen.
Ken Richards, an auction committee member, said he got the idea after a similar parade was held in conjunction with a plowing match held near Kingston. That event set the benchmark of 601 tractors participating.
The goal is to have area farmers collected pledges to participate in what is being billed as "The Greatest Tractor Parade: Farmer's Driving Out Cancer!"
The auction committee unveiled their mascot tractor, painted in the cancer colours — yellow, pink and blue.
Richards said yellow represents all cancers, pink if for breast cancer and blue is for prostrate cancer.
Organizing the fundraiser is personal for the Dresden-area farmer who said, "I had a prostate cancer operation myself three years ago."
He added as a farmer, he likes to organize events to get farmers involved in the community.
The interest is already building, he said, noting one person indicated they want to enter nine tractors in the parade.
Richards said there will take some organizing to qualify for the world record, noting the event will need to be videotaped and photograph to provide verification to the people at Guinness World Records.
He said the tractors will be staged outside of Dresden before travelling into the community to the fairgrounds. He added the event is being held in conjunction with the 135th annual Dresden Fair.
Richards said more details will be coming about the event.
Meanwhile, Janice Paddick, another auction committee member, is confident the annual auction was other success.
While the final tally isn't expected to know for a few days, she said, "I think we did good from the numbers I've seen, so far."
She estimated more than 200 people attended the event at the Lambton Kent Memorial Arena, noting more than 100 bid numbers were registered.
"We're really happy," she said, noting some great winter Olympic items, such as autographed posters and clothing, arrived at the last minute.
APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR 2011 NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP
04/19/10
From a Release - Innisfail, AB - There are only two weeks left to apply for the 2011 Canadian Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust. Applications are due by April 30, 2010 and forms can be downloaded from the Nuffield Canada website at http://www.nuffield.ca.
Nuffield Farming Scholarships are awarded to enthusiastic individuals, between the ages of 25 and 45, who wish to explore topics of their choice in agriculture, land management, horticulture or the food chain.
Three scholarships of $15,000 each are available for 2011.
"The Canadian Nuffield Farming Scholarship provides innovative Canadians with the funding to travel internationally to expand their personal horizons while exploring agricultural issues and opportunities in a global context," said Barry Cudmore, Chair and 2004 Scholar. "We are focused on developing the practical, managerial and commercial capacities of each scholar to enable them to be better farmers and business managers and to make a significant contribution to the future of Canadian agriculture.”
The scholarships are awarded to men and women who are judged to have the greatest potential to create value for themselves, their industries and their communities through the doors which will be opened and the opportunities provided for life-long learning and improvement. The scholarships are awarded on the strength of the applicants’ vision, enthusiasm and determination to pursue their farming goals.
A Nuffield Farming scholarship is a life changing experience. Scholars receive a 'golden key' to the best production, management and marketing systems in every corner of the world. In addition to embracing the 'world's best' in agriculture, scholars gain life-long friends form around the world, and a deep understanding, and global perspective, of the politics, cultures and challenges of world agriculture.
A key part of the scholarship is the opportunity for winners to study a topic of interest to themselves through out their travels. Scholars must complete their project within two years of the award and are required to travel and study for a minimum of two months in total. On return from their study tour, Scholars are expected to produce a written report and present their findings at the annual general meeting as well as to others in their industries.
Canadian Nuffield Scholars are also required to participate in the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) where they will meet with scholars from other countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and France to exchange ideas and experiences, and join a network of people who are at the cutting edge of primary industry. The 2011 conference will be held in New Zealand.
Applications must be received by April 30, 2010. Application forms are available from the Nuffield website www.nuffield.ca
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink..._scoops.cfm
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TekTalk
NEW AGRISURE VIPTERA™ CORN TRAIT TO REVOLUTIONIZE PEST CONTROL
04/13/10
From a Release
Syngenta Seeds Canada, Inc. will soon release a powerful new broad-spectrum pest-control trait that can save Canadian corn growers millions of dollars in lost yield and grain quality. Full Canadian approval has now been granted for the Agrisure Viptera trait, which protects yield, profit potential and grain quality from the Multi-Pest Complex™ of lepidopteran corn pests.
The new trait solidifies the NK® Brand position as a leader in advanced corn trait technologies.
The Multi-Pest Complex includes black cutworm, Western bean cutworm, corn earworm and stalk borer, as well as sugarcane borer and fall armyworm. In North America, infestation results in more than $1.1 billion in annual losses in yield and grain quality1. Agrisure Viptera is a built-in trait that offers effective season-long protection from the entire Multi-Pest Complex.
“Lepidopteran pests are responsible for yield losses across North America, and Agrisure Viptera marks a breakthrough in efforts to protect and increase yield potential in the face of this threat,” says Crop Manager David Townsend. “This trait will bring peace of mind to corn growers who could experience significant losses without it.”
When stacked with the Agrisure® 3000GT triple stack, Agrisure Viptera will offer convenient and effective in-seed protection against the Multi-Pest Complex, corn borer and rootworm as well as provide excellent tolerance to glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides.
“Syngenta Seeds and NK Brand are proud to lead the response to the Multi-Pest Complex threat with this revolutionary technology, delivered through NK hybrids well adapted for Canadian corn production,” says Marketing Manager Ron Taylor. “Western bean cutworm, in particular, is a relatively new pest with growing economic concerns for Canadian Corn Producers. We’re confident that Agrisure Viptera will make a substantial difference to the way growers approach pest control, and ultimately, to their bottom line.”
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To view these articles online, please visit us on the web at
http://www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink/agrilink_...tektalk.cfm
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AgriLink Upcoming Events
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Event - SWAP Meeting Date - April 22, 2010 Time - 5:00 PM Place - DeGoey's Nursery and Flowers, 1501 Mersea Road 6, Leamington Contact Name - Al Hamil - 519-738-6932 Email - ahamill@sympatico.ca
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Event - NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent Pig Roast and Pie Auction Date - April 24, 2010 Time - 4:30 PM Place - St. Paul’s Congregational Church, Park Ave. W., Chatham Contact Name - Myrna Panjer at 519 397-3677 Alt Contact Name - NeighbourLink office at 519 352-5646
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - April 24, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Alvinston Public Works Garage Corner of Lorne and Elgin streets Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - http://www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/
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Event - An Introduction to Large Animal Rescue For Horse Owners and Emergency Responders Date - May 1, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - REACH Huron in Clinton Website - http://www.reachhuron.ca/reachcourses.cfm#LAR
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - May 15, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Oil Springs Fire Hall 4589 Oil Springs Line Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
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Event - “The Power of Prairie” Tallgrass Prairie for Biofuel Conference Date - May 25, 2010 Time - 9:00 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Wendy Kubinec @ 519-354-1588 Email - wendy.kubinec@ontario.ca
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Event - RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC Date - May 29, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Enniskillen Township Public Works Garage 4465 Rokeby Line Contact Name - 519 383-8331, toll free 1-800-667-1839 Website - www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
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Event - CAFA’s 6th Annual Ontario Conference Date - June 1,2010 to June 2, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Stratford Website - www.cafanet.com
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Event - Annual Ontario Pork Congress Date - June 23,2010 to June 24, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Stratford Website - www.porkcongress.on.ca
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Event - Soil & Water Management Workshop Date - June 29, 2010 Place - London-St. Thomas area Contact Name - Woodstock OMAFRA Resource Centre, 519-537-6621 Alt Contact Name - Agricultural Information Contact Centre, 1-877-424-1300
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Event - Progressive Agriculture / Chatham-Kent Farm Safety Day Date - July 21, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - Sue Kelner 519-674-1584 Email - skelner@ridgetwonc.uoguelph.ca
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Event - Outdoor Farm Show Date - September 14,2010 to March 16, 2010 Time - 1:00 PM Place - Woodstock Canada's Outdoor Park Website - http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/
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Event - International Plowing Match & Farm Machinery Show Date - September 21,2010 to September 25, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Elgin – St. Thomas Website - http://www.ipm2010.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. 519-674-1577
Fax. 519-674-1530
E-mail: jjordan@ridgetownc.uoguelph.ca
AgriLink website : www.ridgetownc.com/agrilink
