Status
of Resolutions Carried at the March 2008 Annual Business Meeting
Risk Management Program (RMP)
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we keep working towards a fully funded Federal
and Provincial Risk Management Program.
STATUS: Working towards RMP becoming a fully funded and permanent Risk
Management Program is a top priority for OCPA. OCPA is working with the Ontario
Grains & Oilseeds Committee at the Provincial level. At the Federal level,
OCPA is working with the Ontario-Quebec Grain Farmers Coalition for AgriFlex to
be implemented under the Growing Forward suite of programs. AgriFlex is essentially
a funding envelope that allows the federal government to assist farmers and their
provincial partners to design programs that are best suited to regional farm sectors.
In the case of Ontario Grains & Oilseeds, we would ask that these funds be
targeted towards RMP.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Risk Management Program premium be rebated
if an AgriStability clawback is encountered.
STATUS: OCPA has taken this resolution under advisement.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2008 RMP cost of production numbers be made
transparent and accurately reflect the latest cost increases from our suppliers
including a return for our management labour.
STATUS: This resolution was referred to the RMP Advisory Committee for
their consideration.
2006 Losses
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ALL G & O organizations continue to lobby
the provincial and federal governments to adequately address the 2006 G &
O income shortfall,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the G & O organizations ask for the support of
the general farm organizations as they lobby both the Federal and Provincial governments
to have the remaining 2006 losses covered.
STATUS: Working with the Ontario Grains & Oilseeds Committee, addressing
the 2006 short fall continues to be one of OCPA’s priorities.
Transition Payments
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the transition payments made by Agricorp be fair
for other viable mixed enterprise farm units.
STATUS: Equity for Ontario corn producers with all agricultural sectors
within Canada continues to be one of OCPA’s priorities.
Losses Due to Wildlife
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA use their study and others to update the
costs of wildlife damage reflecting today higher input reality and develop an
action plan with other partners (Agricorp, Crop insurance and/or Ministry of Natural
Resources) to compensate the millions of dollars damage committed by wildlife
to Ontario farm crops.
STATUS: In March 2008, this resolution was referred to the Ontario Federation
of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
and the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association.
Wildlife
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OCPA bring this matter to the attention of
the Minister of Natural Resources and request that an immediate and long-term
strategy for deer and wild turkeys population control be implemented within the
province.
STATUS: In March 2008, this resolution was referred to the Ontario Federation
of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario
and the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association.
MOU
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the OCPA and the Ontario Wheat Producers’
Marketing Board (OWPMB) do everything in their power to bring the issue with the
Ontario Soybean Growers (OSG) to an immediate resolve and move forward with the
finalization of the agreement of “Memorandum of Understanding” to have
a producer vote conducted by the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Board (OFPMC)
as early as possible.
STATUS: Minister Dombrowsky announced August 25, 2008 that an expression of
opinion vote would take place during the month of September 2008.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that OCPA work towards an MOU agreement, so producers
can vote on it.
STATUS: Minister Dombrowsky announced August 25, 2008 that an expression of
opinion vote would take place during the month of September 2008.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that OCPA keep moving forward to the amalgamation
of the soybean, wheat and corn producers.
STATUS: Minister Dombrowsky announced August 25, 2008 that an expression of
opinion vote would take place during the month of September 2008.
Young Farmers
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we approach the government on addressing the
need to enable Young Farmers to financially pursue a viable profession in primary
agriculture.
STATUS: This resolution was reviewed by the Ontario Grains & Oilseeds
Committee and referred to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Through
an OFA Commentary, they have indicated that they will be working with both levels
of government to improve the future financial support programs for beginning farmers.
Cosmetic Pesticide Use Ban
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that AGCare continue to explain agricultures needs
and support a pesticide safety course for urban consumers and pesticide be handled
pharmacy style so competent citizens can safely use many beneficial products.
STATUS: The Ontario government passed a province-wide ban on the use of cosmetic
pesticides by 2009. It has been stated that Ontario farmers are exempt. AGCare
has been active on this issue by meeting with government representatives, writing
editorial columns which have appeared in local newspapers and developing informational
brochures. OCPA, through AGCare, will continue to monitor this situation closely.
GROU/OUI
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that OCPA, through AGCare, continue to lobby the
Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada(AAFC)
for the ability to import generic inputs.
STATUS: OCPA, through AGCare, continues to be involved in lobbying and working
with other groups on the GROU program.
Crosby Devitt, on behalf of AGCare, participates on the GROU Nomination Committee.