Resolutions
2014
OFA Annual General Meeting
Bruce
Media Campaign for Farm Equipment on Roads
WHEREAS our members frequently move farm equipment on busy roads; and
WHEREAS most drivers have no knowledge of how to share the road with farm equipment; and
WHEREAS it takes many repetitions of a similar ad message for people to recall the advertisement; and
WHEREAS OFA represents farmers in all commodities that use the roads,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture take the lead in working with
other farm groups to create a series of advertisements for select forms of media (radio, print, electronic,
etc.) to consistently inform motorists about the rules for farm equipment on the roads; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture ensure the ads remain current
and are available at no cost to any business, company or media outlet that wishes to run them with the
acknowledgement that they were produced by OFA and partners.
Please see Attachment #1 for background information for this resolution.
Glengarry
Clearing of Bush/Woodlots
WHEREAS agriculture is the main industry in Ontario and our business depends on available land; and
WHEREAS there is more and more pressure from environmentalist to prevent the clearing of
bush/woodlots; and
WHEREAS there is increased pressure from developers to build homes on rural/agricultural land and
lands being cleared for solar and wind generation; and
WHEREAS land prices are steadily increasing due to the outside demand for lands, more farmers are
clearing land they already own to stay competitive in the industry,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture work with the appropriate
ministries and townships/municipalities to protect the rights of agricultural owners to clear land to
increase their productive land base.
Huron
Comprehensive Cost Analysis of Energy
WHEREAS energy costs in Ontario are consistently rising; and
WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is currently working on Natural Gas accessibility in rural
Ontario, and
WHEREAS there have been problems with electricity service quality: and
WHEREAS economical forms of energy are required for efficient, modern farm operations,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture initiate a comprehensive real
cost comparison of all of the forms of energy available in Ontario today.
Lambton
Phragmites
WHEREAS invasive species, such as phragmites, negatively affect farm operations; and
WHEREAS phragmites vastly spread and thrive in drainage ditches which drastically decreases the
function of these drains, thus negatively effecting farmland connected to drain by increasing saturation
in soils; and.
WHEREAS the proper method of control to reduce the spread, growth, and impact of phragmites is to
use pesticides that have minimal impact on the environment but will have a high control rate on the
invasive species. A registered herbicide can be used to spray phragmites, followed by a roll and burn
procedure. This procedure is the most effective means of control as found through research from
previous reputable wetland ecologists and groups including Lambton Shores Phragmites Community
Group. Due to regulations implemented by the PMRA and the absence of an Invasive Species Act this
proper means of control is not permitted in many areas where phragmites persist as it would involve
spraying pesticides in designated waterways. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), a
division of Health Canada, implements and regulates policy that have all personal spraying pesticides to
use specific buffer zones when around waterways; and
WHEREAS an Invasive Species Act does not currently exist to help spread awareness and give us the
tools to control invasive species and prevent them from spreading throughout the province. This in
return, will help control phragmites that has negative impacts on many farm operations, as well as any
other invasive species that may be problematic to farmers,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby to have an Invasive
Species Act implemented to help control invasive species, including those negatively affecting farm
operations and rural communities; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby to ensure that the proper
tools are passed down to municipalities and farmers to properly control invasive species, including
pesticides approved by Health Canada- PMRA, to allow for the control of invasive species in “standing
water” areas.
Please see Attachment #2 for background information for this resolution.
Lambton
Resolution Response Document
WHEREAS resolutions are the grassroots members who support the Ontario Federations of Agricultures
(OFA) opportunity to express their concerns and needs to the OFA; and
WHEREAS there does not appear to be a standard protocol of reporting on whether resolutions have
passed at the OFA board level and what efforts have been done or are on-going on passed resolutions;
and
WHEREAS these resolutions concern all OFA members across the province; and
WHEREAS information regarding resolutions can get easily lost in board meeting minutes and
newsletters etc.,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED THAT biannually the Ontario federation of Agriculture compile a list of
resolutions from each year and previous years (if still applicable) into a Resolution Response Document
outlining the status and progress of each resolution until that resolution is no longer relevant and
circulate this document to each convention delegate and County Board.
Lanark
Merger Land Titles
WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is working with the Ontario Government to define
regulatory burdens that cause financial hardship to the farm community; and
WHEREAS the OFA continues to lobby for the elimination of legislation/regulation that cause problems
for the OFA membership; and
WHEREAS under the Land Registry System, the land titles of abutting properties registered under the
same person or business name get merged into one title and this does not serve any need of
government nor does it add value or change the use of the property; and
WHEREAS Government practice, (merging titles) costs the farmers/owners of the land a financial
hardship when they have to pay to re-sever the merged properties; and
WHEREAS this practice of merging titles of adjacent properties does not happen in other jurisdictions
(i.e. lot development or lot ownership in town),
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby the Ontario Government
to change the Land Registry System under the Planning Act so that the practice of automatic merging be
discontinued and those mergers are only considered upon application by the affected parties.
Manitoulin – Sudbury West
Sandhill Cranes
WHEREAS sandhill cranes cause damage to both recently planted crops and to pre –harvest crops; and
WHEREAS the sandhill crane population has expanded greatly, their numbers not being under any
threat; and
WHEREAS the time frame to obtain harassment permits is too long to allow farmers to alleviate the
damage issues in a timely manner,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby the Canadian Wildlife
Service to allow a managed hunt of sandhill cranes.
Manitoulin – Sudbury West
Abattoirs
WHEREAS local provincially inspected abattoirs are essential to the marketing chain of Ontario’s beef
production, farm to consumer; and
WHEREAS current policies emphasize increased levels of beef production especially in northern Ontario;
and
WHEREAS small provincially inspected abattoirs have low operating margins; and
WHEREAS the tax costs are exorbitantly high. (i.e. Manitoulin’s annual tax bill is $13,000),
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby the Ontario Ministry of
Finance to have provincially inspected abattoirs included, by the Municipal Property Assessment
Corporation (MPAC) in the commercial property assessment class instead of the industrial property
assessment class.
Niagara North
Greenbelt Legislation
WHEREAS the Greenbelt legislation was developed in 2005 to protect and preserve prime agricultural
land including the protection of rural areas, heritage sites and sensitive ecological and hydrological
features; and
WHEREAS the Greenbelt legislation is being reviewed in 2015; and
WHEREAS the current legislation requires a 30 metre building setback from key hydrological features
based on natural heritage mapping and is affecting the viability of agriculture operations, especially
smaller operations; and
WHEREAS the Ministry of Natural Resources wetland policy will also be reviewed concurrently,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby the Ontario government
to review and accurately determine all natural heritage systems including wetlands, watercourses and
key hydrological features; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Ontario Federation of Agriculture lobby the Ontario government to
include in the revised Greenbelt Plan that agricultural lands and operations be subject to the 2014
Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) Natural Heritage policies.
Simcoe
Mentorship
WHEREAS the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is one of agriculture’s main advocates for the
development of agricultural policy at the provincial level, actively promoting interests at the prime
producer level and along that sector’s chain; and
WHEREAS assigned members of the Board of the OFA, are skilled and active in lobbying Provincial
politicians and staff; and
WHEREAS a presentation by a representative of Young Farmers of Ontario, at the OFA AGM 2013, asked
the OFA Board and General Delegation how senior farmers could help young famers; and
WHEREAS the goals of the OFA is to assist in ensuring prosperity for all farmers,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture develops a
meaningful program of mentorship for interested and selected young farmers, in which a young farmer
would accompany a Board Mentor during that member’s lobbying activities, at whatever function would
be deemed appropriate to the cause.
Attachment #1
Background Information for
Bruce – Media Campaign for Farm Equipment on Roads
The following is an excerpt from an article that was written on Oct 9th, 2014 by Patrick Jilesen,
(President Bruce County Federation of Agriculture). It was published in the November issue of the Rural
Voice. With statistics provided by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Road Safety Annual Report
(attached)
Farm safety, on and off the farm...
Statistics show that farmers across Canada have continued to improve safety on the farm, yet
agriculture remains the most dangerous occupation in Canada. Although the ultimate goal is of course
zero, the rate of fatalities on the farm has decreased by 38% from 1990-2008.
...
The dangers with farming don't just stop at the farm gate. Often, farmers must travel on the roads to
bring in crops and move animals. Although farm vehicles like tractors and combines do not require
licensing similar to cars and pickups, farm vehicles must still operate within the Highway Traffic Act. This
means sharing the travelled portion of the road with cars and trucks. Often at night.
According to 2011 statistics from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, farm vehicle collisions
resulting in fatalities is approximately 3.1%. Although this number may seem low and ultimately a
number much closer to zero would be preferred, it should be noted that passenger car collisions in
Ontario resulting in fatalities is a much lower number at 0.2%.
In the upcoming year, the Bruce County Federation of Agriculture will be pursuing an awareness
campaign aimed at encouraging all drivers on our highways and back roads to share the road. Bruce
County farmers work long hours which often have us on the roads after dark. Sharing the roads with
drivers unfamiliar with agriculture presents a clear danger to all, especially at night. Although a word to
the wise should be sufficient, education on road safety will be a priority.
Farm safety is always the #1 priority of Bruce County farmers. The BCFA encourages all those using the
roads this harvest season to use caution and patience, especially around farm equipment.
Patrick Jilesen
President, BCFA
OFA reminds farmers to be safe this season (2014)
By Bruce Buttar, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
It’s been one of the slowest starts to harvest for Ontario farmers this fall. A cooler growing season,
combined with fall rains have prevented many farmers from getting onto the fields at their usual harvest
pace.
Weather is the biggest unknown factor in farming, and this fall weather has farmers spinning their
wheels. Only 10-15% of Ontario soybeans and 5% of corn has been harvested to date across Ontario.
Farmers are growing anxious to get their crops off the fields and get winter wheat in the ground. To
reflect these conditions, Agricorp has adjusted their coverage dates on winter wheat to accommodate
for the late fall.
When the weather cooperates, farm tractors and equipment run long hours in the fields and travel on
public roadways. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reminds farmers and rural motorists to be
safe and considerate to each other on the roads during this busy season. The majority of collisions
between road traffic and farm equipment occur during harvest season, when so many of our tractors,
trucks, combines and seeding equipment are on the road, driving at slower speeds, often occupying
much of the road and making it difficult or unsafe to pass.
The OFA reminds farmers and farm employees that tractor rollovers account for the majority of fatal
tractor roadway accidents, responsible for disabling injuries and considerable property damage. For
those driving tractors and farm equipment on the road, do not travel on or too close to the shoulder to
prevent rolling into the ditch. Make sure your equipment is visible and equipped with a slow moving
vehicle sign. Drive with your lights on and only travel after dark if absolutely necessary. Safe driving of
farm equipment on our roadways takes sense and skill. Farm employers must properly train their
employees and family members to operate tractors and equipment on roadways.
Harvest is one of the best times of year. It can also be dangerous. When favourable weather puts us
behind the wheel in the field or on the road to bring in the harvest, the OFA asks Ontario farmers to
slow down and be alert to stay safe this harvest season.
Attachment #2
Background Information for
Lambton - Phragmites
Phragmites persist in mainly wet, saturated soils but can adapt and thrives in almost any disturbed soil
or condition, which is why it is so persistent and the spread of it has been exponential over the last 100
years. It also contains over 2,000 seeds per head and grows rhizomes the can extend for various metres
in every direction, these aspects of the plant also make It very invasive and hard to control. Phragmites
are allelopathic, meaning they release toxins in the soil to choke out any competition. They often can
out-compete native plants for sunlight and nutrients as well resulting in decrease in biodiversity. In
many phragmites sightings, the Invasive Plant controls well over 90% of the population once fully
established. There is also no nutritional or habitat value to wildlife; actually, phragmites often have a
negative effect on wildlife, including some species at risk. The invasive species can affect agriculture as
well as recreational activities by clogging waterways and decreasing water levels.
Ontario has 441 invasive species; more than any other province in Ontario. What we lack is a provincewide control program that will effectively decrease the spread of invasive species, such as phragmites,
by giving people the proper tools to rid of them. Because of underground rhizomes, mechanical control
methods, such as cutting, are not effective on phragmites and actually result in them growing back
bigger and thicker. This is why we need a program that allows us to legally use registered pesticides at
any phragmites site. Because of its persistence and ability to spread we need to control it in all areas
with proper control methods.
Information provided by Janice Gilbert Ph.D., Wetland Ecologist and Nancy Vidler, Chair of Lambton
Shores Phragmites Community Group, Invasive Phragmites Management Plan, 2014