Scoops
| CFFO APPLAUDS GREEN ENERGY TAXATION DECISION | 01/24/12 |
| From a Release GUELPH – The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is pleased with the government’s recently amended regulation regarding the property tax treatment of renewable energy projects, which is in line with what the organization has requested for a number of years. The organization first developed its recommendation on the way solar panels are taxed in 2009, at which time it asked for property tax exemption for MicroFIT projects and equal treatment regardless of project location (rooftop, ground or pole mounted). According to Nathan Stevens, CFFO Research & Policy Advisor, “The government made the right move by ensuring no new assessment or taxes for rooftop installations and for MicroFIT projects owned by individuals for whom energy production is not the main business. The amendment results in fair treatment for those farmers who have made the investment and commitment to play a role in on-farm production of green energy and might encourage others to do the same.” The CFFO maintains its position that a moratorium is needed on the development of any further wind power projects in Ontario until an independent human and animal health impact study has been completed. The CFFO has held that position since June of 2009, when the increase in number of reports of Wind Turbine Syndrome among rural residents living near new wind turbine projects became evident. CFFO Past-President Henry Stevens said at that time that the findings of the proposed study should be used to establish new regulations that will reduce the potential of harm while allowing renewable energy projects to proceed in a safe fashion. The CFFO recently also submitted recommendations on five key areas in response to Ontario’s government invitation for comments on FIT and MicroFIT programming. These recommendations include support for strong reductions in FIT and microFIT pricing for solar and wind power and urge local flexibility in order to reflect the will of communities. |
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| RED TAPE REPORT CARD SHOWS ONTARIO IS HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION | 01/27/12 |
| This Week's Guest Commentary comes from Nathan Stevens, Research & Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The burden of over-regulation is wearing thin for many farmers in Ontario. Red tape is being sighted as a key constraint for small and medium businesses across Canada. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has made this issue one of their key issues, and published its annual report card on red tape in Canada earlier this month. Perhaps surprisingly to some farmers, Ontario rated a B- this year, which is a substantial improvement over the C- from the 2011 report card. The CFIB report card measures a variety of factors in determining how well a province is doing. For example, does the government actively measure regulatory burden? Has it implemented an on-going measurement? Has it imposed constraints on regulators? Have they made regular accountability a political priority? On the upside, the Premier promised to reduce red tape by 25 per cent in 2011 and considerable efforts were made to remove a large number of outdated regulations. Constraints were placed on regulators which require that for every new regulation imposed on business, two must be eliminated. Furthermore, proposed regulations must be posted for public comment, while new ones can only be implemented twice a year. However, on the downside, there is no legislated requirement to report on regulatory burden annually, nor are their on-going measurements that are being used to measure the burden over time. This means that the relatively good score of B- this year may just be an anomaly, rather than the first step towards scoring an A. The CFIB report also offers some insight on how to improve dealing with regulatory burden. One of the more interesting ideas is to have a cabinet minister focused on regulatory oversight. CFIB points out that we all take for granted the importance of a Ministry of Finance when it comes to handling the spending of government dollars. The CFIB draws a parallel arguing that a cabinet member focused on regulatory oversight could control the proliferation of regulations. The CFIB report card is successfully raising awareness of the burden of over-regulation throughout Canada. It is important to remember that regulations have a role in assuring public safety, establishing industry standards and meeting a variety of other worthwhile objectives. However, there is also the need for businesses to be competitive in a global environment. Finding the right balance is the difficult task of all regulators. |
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| MAJOR LIVESTOCK RESEARCH FACILITY PLANNED | 01/30/12 |
| From FCC Express, by Owen Roberts Industry, government and the University of Guelph are coming together in Ontario to create a multi-million-dollar livestock research centre designed to emphasize sustainable animal agriculture systems. Swine, beef and poultry are being cited as potential commodities for studies at the new Research and Innovation Centre, which will be built at the current site of Elora Research Station in Elora, Ont. But dairy is the first group that’s stepping up to the plate to get involved. “This represents a firm commitment to collaborative research with our industry, government and university partners,” says Bill Emmott, chair of Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Indeed, research has been a strong part of Canada’s dairy industry for decades; gains in dairy genetics, milk production and animal health have been significantly driven by research. Such advancements prompted the creation of the research and innovation centre, which will be owned by the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario and operated by University of Guelph, under its partnership agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This world-class facility will position Ontario at the forefront of innovation and technology development in agri-food, particularly for livestock research,” says Rich Moccia, the university’s associate vice-president (strategic partnerships). “It’s an excellent example of the power of university, government and industry collaboration.” The timing of the new facility comes when research sponsors elsewhere, such as the United States Department of Agriculture, are cutting back on support. At the same time Ontario’s agriculture minister Ted McMeekin was making the Elora research facility announcement at the Dairy Farmers of Ontario annual meeting, the USDA was trying to figure how it to manage closing 259 regional offices and cutting $150 million from its budget. “We are the envy of other jurisdictions with our partnerships,” says ARIO chair Stewart Cressman. “Modernizing our research infrastructure with partners from government, the University of Guelph and industry is the only way we can work towards a prosperous, productive economy fuelled by the quality foods that our innovations yield.” Indeed, agri-food is one of the leading economic drivers in Ontario, contributing $33 billion to the province’s gross domestic product and sustaining more than 700,000 jobs. The dairy industry alone contributes $5.5 billion to Canada’s GDP and 73,000 jobs. Construction of the first phase of the new livestock research complex, involving both new facilities and renovations, is expected to begin later this year. |
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| HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR LONGEST RUNNING PORK CONFERENCE IN NORTH AMERICA SET TO PRESENT “CELEBRATING 50 YEARS” | 01/27/12 |
| From a Release Planning started in early 1962 with the first conference held on February 2, 1963 with 400 participants attending. The Swine and Pork industry was looking to the future with the vision of progressive producers, industry leaders and the assistance of the now Ridgetown Campus and OMAFRA staff, the “South Western Ontario Swine Conference” was born with the theme “Next Year’s Model”. The conference has transformed in name and format, but through it all, it hasn’t strayed from its roots in producer focused information to grow and market a better carcass. The conference programs have followed the industry as it has adapted over the years to today’s model with the changing consumer driven standards for a leaner animal and consistent carcass size to superior quality and flavour. Producers who attend the conference take home information they can use to improve the management and profitability in their barns. The first Conference chair Angus Campbell, Iona Station presided over a carcass evaluation session at that first conference. This year with an expected attendance of 125 people, the first of four sessions at the conference will feature Dr. Jim Morris, Ridgetown Campus, retired, who for many years was a guiding force within the conference committee will look back over some of the milestones of the conference while Richard Smelski will look at the indicators for the future of the industry toward the next 50 years. John Van Engelen, Hog-Tied Farms Ltd of Lambton County will profile his operation as Winner of the Regional Premiers’ Award for Agrifood Innovation Excellence in 2010. Dr. Sue Burlatschenko, with present “Unforgettable Knowledge” and feature speaker James Hofer, Starlite Hutterite Colony Manager from Starbuck Manitoba will round out the conference program. There will also be a research update from Victor Limay-Rios, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus along with an industry trade show and a pork banquet celebrating the event. Past conference committee chairs and members have been invited to reminisce and reacquaint along with archival photos and conference proceedings will be on display. The industry has celebrated highs and survived lows in the industry and the South Western Ontario Pork Conference has been part of that cycle for the past 50 years. 2012 conference chair Wouter Van Leeuwen, Ridgetown comments “We want producers to attend and learn and share information. This conference is for them. “Fifty years and still going. We can be proud as an industry and as producers” Doug Richards OMAFRA Swine Specialist and longtime committee member comments, reflecting on the success and the longevity of the conference. “As long as producers keep attending, we’ll keep having it” The conference takes place on February 22, 2012 at the Rural Development Centre, University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus with a meet and greet registration at 3:30 p.m., Program: 4:15 - 9:15 p.m. |
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