Untitled Document

Resolutions Carried at the OCPA 2005 Annual Meeting

RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO SAFETY NETS

that the OCPA works with other grains and oilseed associations and marketing boards towards re-instating the MRI program for 2004.
that the Ontario Corn Producers' Association (OCPA) encourage all producers to join them in a strong lobby effort to the Provincial and Federal Governments to guarantee full funding of MRI for the 2004-2005 crop year.
that OCPA continue to lobby aggressively for a properly funded replacement program to be in place as early as possible in 2005.
that the new MRI/Production Assurance Program be implemented immediately for the 2005 crop with adequate provincial and federal funding.
that the corn, soybean and wheat producers lobby the federal government to supply funding to a new MRI type program to cover shortfalls for the CAIS program.
that the OCPA work with the other grain and oilseed groups to lobby the federal and provincial governments to cap the MRI replacement program at $200,000.
that all producers in Ontario lobby the federal and provincial governments for no producer deposits in the CAIS program in the future.
that OCPA continue to lobby for changes in CAIS to address this situation.
that the OCPA work with the other grains and oilseeds groups in conjunction with our national and provincial GFO's to lobby the federal government for a competitive support program that mitigates the farm income and value added industry losses caused by competing farm support programs, until the federal government succeeds in reducing trade distorting farm supports.
that all new and continuing grains and oilseed safety net programs continue to include home grown feedstocks that are fed on farm.
that the OCPA work with the other grains and oilseed associations and marketing boards to develop and work toward implementing an action plan which asks the Ontario government to establish a long term financial support program that follows closely the cost of production. This action plan will have to have producer participation and input.
that grain and oilseed producers lobby for a long term revenue assurance program with a cost of production calculation.
that OCPA lobby to have the Ontario level of support for Grains and Oilseed producers increased rather than lobby for the domestic support programs in Quebec and the U.S. to be reduced to our domestic support level.
that OCPA lobby the Ontario Government to reinstate the MRI program as soon as possible.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

that the implementation of the N.M.A. be put on hold indefinitely until the overall need for the economic and farm business impact of the value of a N.M.A. is more thoroughly scrutinized by and accepted by all stakeholders.

RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO TRADE REMEDIES

that the Ontario Corn Producers' Association consider the possibility of a countervail and/or anti dumping action.
that OCPA insists on compensation for trade injury immediately.
that the corn, soybean and wheat producers lobby the federal government along with governments from other countries to take trade action against the U.S. to have the U.S. live up to their trade agreements.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO CAFTA

that statements of support for the supply management sector be made by Ontario Corn Producers' Association, and
that the Ontario Corn Producers' Association dissuade CAFTA from working to destroy the supply management sector.

RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO THE MERGER

that all three commodities join forces to produce one newsletter.
that OCPA promote co-operation amongst the three commodity groups (corn, soy, and wheat) particularly at the local level in the areas east of Toronto. This should include realigning to common district representation.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO WATER EXEMPTIONS

that the corn producers stand together with farmers and farm organizations from across Canada in calling on the Government of Canada to immediately:
1. Secure an explicit exemption for water under the goods, services and investment provisions of the
NAFTA and the FTA;
2. Place a moratorium on any new water export initiatives until such an exemption is in place; and
3. Secure an explicit exclusion for water and water related services under the General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS), the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) and all subsequent agreements related to international trade.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO ETHANOL

that a company or entity building or operating an ethanol plant in Ontario would only qualify for grants or incentives from either level of Government provided that Company violates this agreement, and provided that this condition applies under Canadian trade laws, then all grants and incentives given to the Company would be forfeited.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO PROTESTING

that this organization be prepared to participate in active protesting by farmers to force their government to listen to their concerns.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN

that the OCPA encourage a letter writing campaign by all producers to the Ministers of agriculture and all MPPs and MPs.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO A UNITED VOICE

that the OCPA join a united voice for grain and oilseeds and for agriculture as a united industry.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO CROP PRODUCTION

that the corn, soybean and wheat producers lobby the government to allow farmers to plant their own seed.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO DRAINAGE

that OCPA lobby OMAF for funding for drainage outlets and maintenance of the same.

RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO CONSUMER AWARENESS

that the grain sector try a new approach and influence consumers directly by starting a pilot project by designing, distributing and financing agriculturally supportive placemats to be distributed free of charge to, for example, every McDonald's Restaurant (any others) in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake focus area and assign a researcher to assess the effectiveness of this approach to influence the consumers and politicians.
that OCPA lobby the General Farm Organizations for a report outlining both the monetary and non-fiscal contributions that agriculture provides to Ontario's economy and society.

RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO COMMUNICATIONS

that OCPA or any agricultural group refrain from saying any negative comments about anything concerning any other farm organization.