Status of Resolutions Carried at the March 2004 Annual Business Meeting

Price Injury Offset Program
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario corn, in co-operation with the soybean and wheat producers/boards, continue to lobby governments for grain and oilseed programs that would help mitigate the price injury caused by foreign farm policy programs and that would be separate from the CAIS program. (Status: Part of G & O Group efforts to replace MRI)

Linkage between Crop Insurance and CAIS
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario corn, in co-operation with the soybean and wheat producers/boards, lobby the governments for an improved linkage between the CAIS and production insurance so that there is a better complimentary benefit in enrolling in both programs. (Status: Working with OACC to improve linkages)

Replacement of MRI
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ontario com, in co-operation with the soybean and wheat producers/boards, continue to negotiate for a better MRI replacement program. (Status: MRI Working Group working with AgriCorp and OMAF)

Price Injury Offset Program
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA continue to push for an MRI substitute, which addresses trade injury in the new APE (Status: Part of G & O Group efforts to replace MRI)

Crop Insurance and MRI Linkage
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA push for future MRI programs to remain separate from crop insurance, in order for producers to still opt out of crop insurance while participating in MRI or its replacement. ( Status: MRI Working Group working with AgriCorp and OMAF)

Assistance for small and mid-sized farms
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Ontario corn, in co-operation with the soybean and wheat producers/boards, lobby the federal government to clarify exactly what programs they are going to offer for small and mid-sized farms. (Status: Taken under advisement by OCPA Board)

Market Revenue Program
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA pursue a continuation of 90% coverage in the market revenue program or higher to ensure the remaining $95 million in funds of the current market revenue account be paid to Ontario grain and oilseed producers. (Status: Letter requesting 90% coverage to Minister Peters, August 30, 2004)

Equity of treatment
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA lobby the Federal and Provincial governments more strenuously to level the playing field for Ontario corn producers. (Status: Taken under advisement hy OCPA Board)

Property Assessments
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA continue to work with other farm organizations to ensure that the new property assessment system in Ontario does not adversely affect the farm community as well as businesses that serve this community. (Status: Working with OFA)

Technology Use Agreements
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA lobby the appropriate authorities to drop the Technology Use Agreement (TUA) cost and patent after 10 years so that trade competitions are kept fair. (Status: Taken under advisement by OCPA Board)

Lobbying
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA participate in helping farmers mobilize and organize for future demonstrations. (Status: Taken under advisement by OCPA Board)

Wildlife Damage
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA push for publishing this report. (Wildlife report) (Status: OSCIA has published a report www/ontariosoilcrop.org/wildlifeissues/wildlife_issues_cover.htm)

Odyssey Report
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA relate back to producers its plan of action on recommendations that have been set out by the Odyssey Group. (Status: Taken under advisement by OCPA Board)

French Translation
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OCPA make contact with the AgriCom journal which would be ready to make arrangements on translating and publishing at a reasonable cost. (Status: AgriCom Journal has been contacted. No interest shown.)

DTN
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OCPA makes better use of the page or cancel the contract with DTN. (Status: DTN is updated frequently)

Communication of Resolution Status
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA publishes a resume of the resolutions and result and decisions in the OCPA magazine or in a newsletter. (Status: Implemented in Business Meeting Reports)

Biodegradable Materials From Corn
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OCPA lobby the appropriate Ministries and Government agencies that over a period of ten years garbage bags and shopping bags in this Province are made from biodegradable materials which contain corn and/or other agricultural products.
(Status: Part of OCPA Bio-economy initiative)

Relocation & Merger
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this meeting encourage the Ontario Corn Producers' Association to join together with the Ontario Soybean Growers and the Ontario Wheat Producers' Marketing Board in a combined building when possible as now is an opportune time. (Status: Relocating to the Ontario AgriCentre located in Research Park. Merger discussions proceeding.)

Research
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the OCPA actively assess and fund research projects that will benefit corn producers in the Province of Ontario. (Status: Continuous involvement)

Merger
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that OCPA encourage the grain and oilseed organizations to move together into one group. (Status: Relocating to the Ontario AgriCentre located in Research Park. Merger discussions proceeding.)