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
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online