Agriculture Assistance...Unfortunately Necessary!

Southern Ontario is arguably one of the most productive farming regions in the world. With its wide variety of soil types and temperate climate it is well suited for many different agricultural enterprises. The Great lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron bordering the area generally ensure we receive adequate rainfall and relatively mild winters. Our southern latitude provides us with enough heat units to generate very attractive yields in a single crop growing season.

We produce world caliber grapes in the acidic soil of the Niagara and Pelee wine growing regions. The light sand along the north shore of Lake Erie yields some of the finest tobacco in the world, not to mention ginseng that is the envy of the orient. The loam soils of Oxford, Perth, Middlesex and Huron counties are perfect for corn, beans and a variety of forage crops. Our superior cropping regions are a bountiful source of feed for livestock operations. With technological innovation and refined genetics we are able to breed and raise enough swine, cattle, chickens and other livestock to sustain our province and export to world markets. Our dairy industry thrives as we produce world champion cows and export the semen of our breeding stock worldwide. We produce fish, sheep, turkeys, eggs and emu. We are Canada's food basket.

Agriculture is responsible for billions of dollars of Canada's Gross Domestic Product. It employs hundreds of thousands of people directly, and more in the vast number of businesses that service its needs. Not only does our country eat well because of agriculture, it prospers.

All business sectors face risks; risk of competition, market risk, technological risk and risks inherent to the sector itself. Agriculture, however, faces significantly higher challenges. Add to the normal risks of business those of weather, disease, urban encroachment, animal rights activists, prolific international subsidies and geopolitical manipulation and you wonder why anyone would dedicate themselves to such a calling. Agriculture is essential to the survival of Canada, yet those who produce our food can go from success to abject failure within a matter of months, through no fault of their own.

Because agricultural is essential to sustain our existence, because farmers face challenges that can prove fatal to their economic survival, because we must not become dependent on international sources for our food, our governments must provide financial support. Ask any farmer and you will be told in no uncertain terms; they would much rather compete on a playing field where all producers were equal. Unfortunately, this is not likely to ever be the case.

This issue of Taking Care of Farmers concentrates on providing you with information on two new assistance programs. The Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization Program replaces NISA for the 2003 production year. The BSE Recovery Program is a temporary assistance for farmers who suffered losses as a result of international barriers to trade in ruminant animal products. Our Agriculture Group ensures our clients receive their maximum entitlements from the various assistance programs.

Brent VanParys

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