The end of the family tobacco farm Friday, May 1, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEWhile she has yet to read the full report, the chair of the Ontario tobacco board says there is merit in a George Morris Centre criticism of the new Tobacco Transition Program, particularly in the prohibition of succession.The report by George Morris senior research fellow Larry Martin, says transition program rules affect succession planning, diversification by both participants and families and the “very structure of the family enterprise.”“One of the biggest concerns which could have implications for those involved in any farming operation is the prohibition of succession,” Martin adds, noting “it is the nature of Canadian agriculture for one generation to help the next by loaning funds, making loan guarantees and renting the land.”Tobacco board chair Linda Vandendriessche admits the deal has caused some grief because family opportunities could be lost. Ottawa’s $286-million buyout package included an offer of $1.05 per pound of quota.The board has raised its concerns with the federal government, she adds, and awaits a response from to a letter sent recently to Ottawa.Martin, also a director with Lake Erie Farms, is calling on immediate action from Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz to deal with the tobacco issue, noting, “If the minister does not act quickly, there will be almost no crop this year.”Vandendriessche says while there will no longer be a quota system, there are about 100 eligible applicants that are seeking licenses to grow tobacco.Media and public relations representative Linda Lietaer notes the vast majority of tobacco farmers opted for federal compensation.Vandendriessche says the majority of producers will use the money to pay down significant debt, leaving some with “nothing in hand.”“I know the $286-million is a big pot of money that farmers are grateful for but it’s not going to allow total transition in this area,” adds Lietaer.Noting the current state of the economy, the board chair says she is deeply concerned about the five county area in southwestern Ontario. Individuals working in factory farms used to have the farm to fall back to. “Well they don’t even have that now, so these are difficult times here,” she says. BF Green Energy Act won't protect prime farmland from solar farms Pesticide import program lacks farmer appeal
Take a virtual reality tour of Ontario’s egg and sheep farms Saturday, December 21, 2024 Canadians now have the opportunity to explore new virtual farm tours on www.FarmFood360.ca, thanks to Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO), is a coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working together to grow public trust and confidence in food and farming. The... Read this article online
Snow Begone: The RapidTrak Series Friday, December 20, 2024 BYLINE: Zahra Sadiq Winter is upon us, and with it comes thick layers of snow, making everything just a little more difficult. But it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to the RapidTrak Snow Blowers by Ariens. This company’s story starts in 1933 when Henry Ariens took his sons... Read this article online
AEM partners with Euro counterpart to enhance global alignment on key ag manufacturer issues Friday, December 20, 2024 The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) have signed a () to enhance advocacy efforts for the agricultural equipment industry. The agreement seeks to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment across... Read this article online
The 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Awards Banquet Thursday, December 19, 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Inc.—headquartered in Oak Bluff, Manitoba—is a global leader in swine genetics, and recently held its in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Stratford, Ontario, via two events for its producers. The banquets blended recognition for outstanding production achievements and... Read this article online
Premier equipment strengthens reach with new acquisition Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Premier Equipment, a John Deere dealership in southwestern Ontario, has reached an agreement to acquire Hutchinson Farm Supply, effective January 31, 2025. Hutchinson, which has been in business for 60 years, has served agriculture and rural property owners in York and Durham... Read this article online