Resolutions
The Following Resolutions were passed in March 2010
Resolution on Public Transit
Whereas the most common response in Ontario to increasing traffic volumes are expanded highways, including a proposed expansion of Hwy 7 and 8 between New Hamburg and Stratford;
And whereas expanded highways in prime agricultural areas always take farmland out of production; And whereas declining petroleum supplies and the carbon emissions from private and commercial vehicles create a strong push for options that allow the movement of goods and people while decreasing dependence on fossil fuels;
And whereas our population density is similar to that of parts of Europe where public transit, especially rail based has long formed the back bone of an effective transportation network;
And whereas in order for rural communities to remain economically healthy, industries from agriculture to tourism require effective links to regional urban centres without creating the traffic gridlock that has plagued other Ontario communities, most notably much of the GTA;
And whereas while habitually committed to our private vehicles, many Ontario residents are genuinely seeking options that reduce their carbon emission impact, and are looking to transportation system decision-makers to provide creative and innovative leadership;
And whereas Waterloo Region has made commitments to vastly improve their urban public transit networks, and is a strong advocate for options other than an expanded highway in the Kitchener-New Hamburg-Stratford corridor.
Therefore be it resolved that the National Farmers Union make it a policy to support the expansion of inter-city/community public transit, such as VIA Rail and GO Transit, and to communicate this position broadly, including to GO Transit, VIA Rail, MTO, MOE, OMAFRA and municipal governments;
Be it further resolved that the NFU specifically support the expansion of rail service in the Kitchener-New Hamburg-Stratford corridor and communicate this support to GO Transit, VIA Rail and all levels of government.
Resolution on Associate Membership
Whereas associate memberships represent one of the best opportunities to reach the non-farm population with the NFU vision for local food sovereignty,
And whereas NFU LOCALS receive no direct monetary compensation for signing up new associate members,
Be it resolved that the NFU reallocate 50% of the associate member’s initial fee upon joining the NFU to the recruiting LOCAL as an incentive to recruit supportive members of society to our organization
Resolution re: Poultry Processing
Whereas the provincial government supports and invests in local production for local markets and
Whereas local markets need sufficient local processing capacity and
Whereas long travel and wait times severely stress poultry and
Whereas many farmers are remote from poultry abattoirs and
Whereas poultry is an important part of a diversified family farm
Therefore be it resolved that the NFU approach the OMAFRA to review regulations which limit options for increasing local processing capacity for poultry.
Resolution on Agricorp fees
Whereas Agricorp currently charges Ontario’s General Farm Organizations somewhere between 8 and 10 dollars for every FBR membership it processes. This fee is hidden and the rationale for the charge amount is often somewhat obscure.
And Whereas each farmer that asks for a refund actually costs Ontario’s General Farm Organizations this amount thus potentially reducing the available financial resources significantly.
And Whereas there is no known way for Ontario’s General Farm Organizations to recover this cost.
Therefore be it resolved that the National Farmers Union lobby the Ontario government to charge the administration fee for the FBR program directly to Farmers seeking an FBR # in addition to the fee directed to the GFOs so as to be more in line with the original intent of the legislation. The fee paid by farmers would then be $150 plus Agricorps processing fee plus taxes.
Be it further resolved that the National Farmers Union request of the government that the processing charge that Agricorp charges farmers be open, justified and based solely on the cost of administering the FBR program on an annual basis with clear reasoning provided to farmers with their FBR form.
Resolution re: Agricorp process
Whereas the current system of pre-assigning General Farm Organizations by Agricorp based on a farmers choice the previous year is undemocratic and cumbersome for those wishing to change GFO.
Whereas farmers need to have a clear and easily defined choice in who will represent their interests
And Whereas many farmers have expressed frustration in regards to trying to join a different GFO only to find themselves assigned to their previous GFO
Therefore be it resolved that the National Farmers Union in Ontario requests that the government of Ontario intervene in this process to ensure an open and democratic system of General Farm Organization selection.
Be it further resolved that if the government does not accept its responsibility to ensure a democratic system that the National Farmers Union in Ontario conduct a public campaign against this undemocratic and cumbersome process. This campaign might include ads, meetings with the Minister and refusing to sign the 2010 Agricorp Business Plan unless action is taken that makes the system more fair, open and democratic for all General Farm Organizations and their members.
Resolution on Wallaceburg E.R
Therefore be it resolved that the NFU in Ontario contact the PremierT’s office and the Ontario Health Minister to have the Wallaceburg E.R. facility remain open.
Resolution on processing plants in existing abbatoirs
Therefore be it resolved that the NFU supports seeking federal and provincial government financial support to assist in the feasibility study and business plan for a start-up meat processing plant utilizing existing family owned and operated abattoirs within a best case catchments area. The proposed new meat processing plant study will look at both building a new building and also examine utilizing recently closed facilities that could be retrofitted to meet federal HACCP food plant certification.
Resolution on HST
Therefore be it resolved that the NFU in Ontario push the Provincial Government for HST exemptions rather than the requirement for farmers to apply for tax rebates.
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