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LABOUR RULING RAISES CONCERNS
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
From FCC ExpressMany Quebec agriculture producers are afraid of possible fallout from the decision by Quebec's labour relations board to uphold the rights of seasonal workers in Quebec to unionize.
"It doesn't change anything right now," says Guy Pouliot, a strawberry and raspberry producer, "but it opens the door to a situation that could soon kill my business."
Delivered in mid-April, the decision upheld the certification of a union bargaining unit under the United Food and Commercial Workers that was founded 21 months ago by migrant workers on a farm north of Montreal.
The ruling strikes down a 40-year-old section of the Quebec Labour Code which allowed union organizing only on farms with three or more employees who were employed full-time year round.
There are approximately 27,000 seasonal farm workers in Quebec, including about 6,000 migrant workers.
"This decision is a victory for these workers and for every other agriculture worker in Quebec who needs and wants a union," says Louis Bolduc, an official with UFCW Canada, which represents thousands of agriculture workers in British Columbia and Manitoba -- and now Quebec.
"These workers had the courage to stand up and the labour board has backed them up by recognizing their rights to associate and bargain collectively."
The Union des producteurs agricole, the massive farmers union to which all Quebec producers are required by law to belong to, has remained silent on the ruling. However, producers who rely heavily on seasonal farm workers have loudly expressed their fears that the ruling has opened a Pandora's box of labour woes.
Pouliot, who cultivates 110 acres of strawberries with his brother Daniel on their family farm near Quebec City, says they rely on 100 seasonal workers between June and October -- including 80 from Mexico and two from Guatemala.
In addition to paying Quebec's minimum wage, which has increased from $8.50 to $9.50 over the past two years, Pouliot and his brother provide their migrant employees with room and board in fully furnished homes on their farm, plus vehicles, gas and most of their airfare to and from Canada.
In return, they get reliable and hard-working employees who put in 60- to 65-hour work weeks.
"The arrangement we have now is fine," Pouliot says.
He adds he can currently make a decent profit, provided the price of strawberries stays between its current rate of $16-$18 per eight-pound case and production costs remain stable.
Unlike more mechanized types of production, he notes labour accounts for 50 per cent of the production costs for small-fruit producers. He fears those costs will escalate if his workers decide to unionize.
"Our noses are still above the water line," Pouliot says. "But if we're pushed to pay more, we'll be unable to compete, not with our neighbours, but with strawberries from California. The only option we'll have is to shut down our business -- it's as simple as that."
LIBERAL PLAN A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
04/29/10
The federal Liberals released their agricultural platform last week and it gets the nod of approval of the Ontario-Quebec Grain Farmers' Coalition (OQGFC).
Of note is the commitment the Grits make to the regional safety net program known in the industry as AgriFlex.
According to Quebec farmer and President of OQGFC, William Van Tassel, "The Rural Canada Matters platform contains many initiatives that farmers have been calling for, for years to protect the long-term viability of the family farm in Canada. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction that can be a foundation for protecting our rural communities and their livelihood."
Speaking from his Belle River Farm, Vice-President Leo Guilbeault said, "We sincerely hope that the governing Conservatives follow the leadership shown by the Liberals and implement the regional safety net program, AgriFlex."
FARM INCOME FORECASTS PAINT GRIM PICTURE
04/28/10
From a Release
GUELPH – Last week’s late release of farm income forecasts by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada paint a grim picture for Canadian farmers and Ontario family farms in particular. The 2009 total net income for Ontario farms was a loss of 330 million dollars. The forecast for 2010 shows a loss of a further half billion dollars.
“The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) has been telling our governments that Ontario farming is in crisis and at a crossroads” said Bette Jean Crews, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “Our governments can no longer ignore this message – they need to act now to sustain Ontario family farms and our local food system.”
“Our coalition of non-supply managed associations has developed practical and bankable programs to address the short-term needs and long-term sustainability of our members,” said Wilma Jeffray, Chair of Ontario Pork. “It is critical that our changes to AgriStability and the new Business Risk Management Programs are implemented now to help our farm businesses better manage this risk.
The farm income forecasts were released two months later than usual and show a national farm income loss of over $164 million.
Curtis Royal, President of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association said that the numbers bore no surprise for farmers. “We have carried consistent messages to both levels of government that an investment in agriculture is needed. The financial situation of our farming businesses is now very clear. AAFC analysts note that the crop and livestock sectors are expected to continue downward trends. Making matters worse they add that program payments will decline due to weaker reference margins”, he added.
“AAFC analysts have told us the current risk management programs do not work under the current market conditions” said Bette Jean Crews. “That is why the OASC is calling on Ministers to immediately address this situation by providing the tools Ontario farmers have developed and need to cope with the external market factors driving down prices. Our family farms and our local food is at stake.”
HOG INVENTORIES DOWN
04/28/10
From StatsCan
As of April 1, Canadian hog producers reported 11.6 million hogs on farm, down 2.1% from the same date in 2009. This is a continuing trend as year-to-year hog inventories have decreased since 2006.
Sows inventory is reported at 1.3 million head, down 5.7% from April 1, 2009. The number of sows expected to farrow in the second (-2.1%) and third (-3.6%) quarters this year is down from one year earlier.
Total hogs produced in Canada, which are either slaughtered in Canada or exported on the international market, was less than 7.0 million hogs in the first quarter. This was down 5.9% from the same quarter in 2009 and a 16.6% drop from the same quarter in 2008.
Canadian hog exports totalled 1.4 million in the first quarter, down 20.5% from the same period in 2009. Hog slaughter has been stable at 5.5 million head for each of the past three quarters.
The estimated number of hog farms at April 1, 2010 is 7,150. For the first time, the average number of hogs per farm exceeded 1,600 hogs.
NO SURPRISES IN PORK BOARD ELECTION
04/28/10
From a Release
Guelph, April 28, 2010 – There were no significant changes to Ontario Pork’s Board after the elections that took place yesterday in Guelph. Re-elected for the 2010 term were Wilma Jeffray from Grey Bruce County as Chair and Mary-Ann Hendrikx from Middlesex as Vice Chair.
Members elected to the Executive Committee were Wilma Jeffray Chair, Mary-Ann Hendrikx, Vice Chair, Steve Illick of Wellington County, Oliver Haan of Northumberland-Quinte, Amy Cronin of Huron County, and Teresa Van Raay, Zone A Director.
“I am pleased to be re-elected for another term and look forward to working with the broader industry to accomplish goals for this sector,” says Wilma Jeffray, Chair. “The mission of our Board is to foster a healthy business environment for partners, innovation and development. This industry is worthy of investment.”
Ontario Pork’s Board has identified four specific strategies that it has already set in motion and will continue to work on over the course of the year. The first strategy is to be the preferred supplier of services that provide knowledge and opportunities to allow producers to be economically sustainable; the second is to provide an on-going industry forum to encourage, leverage and enhance sustainable industry development; the third is to provide an advocacy function to improve the business environment and the fourth and final strategy is to drive innovative product development.
RATIONALIZING FERTILIZER PACKAGING
04/28/10
Today's Guest Commentary comes from Keith Currie, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ontario agriculture is concerned, once again, that a provincial government program is about to unfairly add to their production costs. The issue stems from a Ministry of the Environment initiative to charge a fee on all fertilizer sold in bags or containers under 30 kilograms in weight.
The fees collected are to cover the cost of collecting unused fertilizer as a “special waste” and then disposing of it “appropriately,” likely through incineration.
For a large portion of Ontario farmers this may not be an issue since they work with bulk, not bagged, fertilizer. Farmers in Ontario’s horticulture and greenhouse sectors, however, rely on 25kg bags of fertilizer for their operations, as do many field crop growers who are not set up for handling bulk fertilizer. Indeed, the Ontario Agri Business Association estimates that Ontario farmers purchase approximately 30,000 tonnes of fertilizer in packages of 30 kg or less, each year.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has always been a strong proponent of waste diversion since municipal solid waste typically ends up in landfill, and these landfills are often sited on arable land – usually Class 1 land that is ideally suited for agricultural production. However, the OFA cannot support the concept of diverting agricultural fertilizer from landfills for the simple reason that farmers do not direct fertilizer into the waste stream. Period!
The process that ushered in this issue began in 2002 when the government passed the Waste Diversion Act, an act to promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste and to provide for the development, implementation and operation of waste diversion programs. At the same time it established a Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste Program. The first phase of that Program was introduced in 2007, at which time fertilizer was characterized as a Special Waste, but there was an exemption for fertilizers used in agricultural operations. However, recent revisions to the Program have removed that exemption.
A recent letter from the Ontario Agri Business Association to the Ministry of the Environment’s Stewardship Ontario office states: “The agricultural sector has repeatedly stated concern with agricultural fertilizers being captured in a program for residential and small industrial, commercial and institutional (waste) generators.”
From the perspective of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, fertilizers are an essential farm input, and government needs to understand there is no waste fertilizer. The OABA letter points out, and we agree, that “farmers will not be returning fertilizer to hazardous waste depots or landfill.” In fact, it could and should be stated that Ontario’s agricultural sector is already in full compliance with the goal of the province’s Waste Diversion Act in that fertilizer purchased by farmers is used in its entirety and generates no waste, whatsoever.
OFA calls on the Ministry of the Environment to accept the fact that it would be inequitable to extract a fee from the agricultural sector for diverting fertilizer from landfills when the agricultural sector is not responsible for directing fertilizer to landfills.
While the inclusion of agricultural fertilizers packaged in 25kg bags may be viewed as more administratively efficient by Stewardship Ontario, it clearly demonstrates a naive misunderstanding of farming that would result in a tax on farming to support a service that farmers do not use.
OFA will continue to work on this issue in search of greater fairness for all Ontario farmers.
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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
ONTARIO'S CORN PROGRESS REPORT THIS EARLY?
04/28/10
From Ontario Field Crop Report
Ed. Note; This is probably the earliest OMAFRA's Corn Specialist Greg Stewart has issued a planting progress report.
Crop Progress: Some corn was planted prior to April 10. Weather conditions have been favourable and these fields have emerged. In some areas corn planting is already 25 % complete as of April 21. CHU normals for all areas begin May 1, but early April heat has tallied some impressive numbers.
Field Observations: Soil conditions have been excellent; wet areas have been quick to dry and soil tilth and temperature both quite favourable for planting and germination.
Emerging Issues: Be aware of moisture loss from soil and take measures to conserve moisture where possible: plant soon after spring tillage, level and pack as part of the tillage operation; monitor planting depth and bring weeds and cover crops under control as soon as possible.
FIELD CROP REPORT FOR APRIL 28
05/03/10
Corn
Very early planted corn is in the spike to 1st leave stage. Planting progress has been
phenomenal for this time of year. Approximately 70 % of the provincial corn crop was
planted by April 28. Corn generally requires 180 CHU from planting to emergence (50 - 60
CHU last week).
Soil conditions are still favourable; be careful to plant into moisture as soil is dry. Concern
over cold shock from low night time temperatures or snowfall to nearly emerged corn exists in some pockets. As the growing point remains approximately 2 cm below the soil surface for weeks it is very rare that the plant is killed by cold weather at this time. On occasion cold stress can result in split or twisted shoots emerging from the seed.
Cereals
Winter wheat development is well ahead of normal, with advanced wheat well into second node (GS 32). The bulk of the crop looks excellent! Low night time temperatures have kept disease development to a minimum, with powdery mildew in lush growth areas and a trace of Septoria on lower leaves.
Manganese (Mn) deficiency is showing in some winter wheat fields with foliar applications
required immediately (2 lbs/ac of actual Mn plus a spreader sticker). Weed control has been a challenge due to cold nights. Control now is primarily to prevent seed set and aid in harvest, as any yield loss impact has already occurred. Recent Ontario research shows a 2 to 5 bu/ac yield increase from an early (T1) fungicide application, with higher response where higher nitrogen rates have been applied. Delayed nitrogen (N) application yield impacts should be small if N was available prior to stem longation. Begin scouting for cereal leaf beetle in traditional cereal leaf beetle areas.
Spring cereal stand establishment and early growth is excellent. Advanced fields are tillering
(GS 21-22). Nitrogen applications should be complete by the tillering stage. Weed control is a priority, as many broadleaf weeds are present and the crop is rapidly advancing. Target broadleaf weeds first as grassy weeds are just now emerging. Separate herbicide applications are preferred. If tank mixing grass and broadleaf herbicides, avoid application during periods of cool, cloudy weather or significant injury can occur.
Soybeans
About 5% of the crop has been planted. No soybeans have emerged yet. If soil conditions are
fit there is little reason to wait on the calendar to plant soybeans now. Highest yield is usually obtained from planting during the first half of May in Ontario.
One of the main concerns in the spring is establishing an adequate plant stand. Soybean seed treatments have been shown to increase plant stands and improve yields in some situations.
They can be an important tool in establishing a uniform plant stand, especially in no-till, clay
soils and early planting.
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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 - DISTRICT 1 SHEEP MEETING Date - May 6, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - Coldstream Community Centre Contact Name - Bill Duffield, Tel 519-899-2663
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Event - . SOLAR POWER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARM & RURAL LANDOWNERS Date - May 6, 2010 Time - 8:00 PM Place - REACH Centre, Clinton Contact Name - Joan van der Meer, Project Manager, Green Jobs Strategy
519-887-2694 x 201
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Event - CANADIAN MEAT GOAT ASSOCIATION Date - May 14,2010 to May 15, 2010 Time - 12:00 PM Place - Festival Inn, Stratford, Ontario Contact Name - Canadian Meat Goat Association • Box 61, Annaheim, SK S0K 0G0 Canada • Tel (306) 598-4322 • Fax (306) 598-8901
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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 - Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses - Information Session Date - May 31, 2010 Time - 9:30 AM Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Contact Name - OMAFRA’s Agricultural Information Contact Centre (AICC) at 1-877-424-1300 Website - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/gfwd...-advbus.htm
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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 - CAFA’s 6th Annual Ontario Provincial Conference Date - June 1,2010 to June 2, 2010 Place - River Garden Inn, Stratford Contact Name - Liz Robertson, M.A.
CAFA Executive Director, 1-877-474-2871
Email - info@cafanet.com 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 - SouthWest Crop Diagnostic Day Date - July 7,2010 to July 8, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Ridgetown Campus, University of Guelph Website - www.diagnosticdays.ca
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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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Event - Royal Winter Fair Date - November 5,2010 to November 14, 2010 Time - All Day Event Place - Exhibition Place, Toronto Website - www.royalfair.org
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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
