PROFITABILITY IS THE GOAL FOR OCPA PRESIDENT

by David Morris

For OCPA President, Mat Menich, a key role for the association in the coming years, will be to continue to work to keep corn production a , profitable enterprise for Ontario farmers. Market development will be a vital part of this thrust. "We've got to be part of developing the bio-based economy that's coming," he says. "Expanding ethanol production is part of it, but there are lots of other new and exciting opportunities coming along for corn too. Things like starch-based paints, polylactic acid plastics and so on. We have to keep increasing the demand for our corn by working to get plants that make these products built here in Ontario. There's a real advantage for us in keeping Ontario on an import-basis for corn. Some people think that imports of American corn hurt us, but if we ever have to go back to pricing our corn based on export markets, our local basis will take a big hit. Building plants in Ontario would also give a big boost to the economy of the communities in which they're located, and to the economy of the whole province. These new bio-products are going to replace things now made from petroleum with ones made from renewable resources like corn. So, there are big environmental benefits too. It's all part of creating additional reliable markets for Ontario corn so producers can maximize the dollars they get from the marketplace."
Mat brings many years of leadership experience in OCPA to the position of President. He has been the Director to OCPA from Region 7 for about 10 years and was a delegate for several years before that. As a Director, he has chaired OCPA's Safety Net Committee, and currently serves on the National Safety Net Advisory Committee, which provides input on safety net programs to the federal government. Thus, Mat has experienced firsthand what he calls "the never ending saga" of safety net programs in Canada. "Somehow," he says, "the issues never seem to get resolved, so it's always at the forefront of our agenda. OCPA has to continue to work vigourously, through the coalitions of which we are part, to press for safety net programs that benefit Ontario producers. We need to continue to put forth proposals for new Business Risk Management programs in the APF that work for Ontario farmers, while pushing also for trade injury compensation outside the APF".
One of Mat's main objectives, in this regard, is to make sure that Ontario farmers don't lose what they've gained in the past on programs like crop insurance and market revenue insurance. "We're locked into a North American cost structure, but have to sell at world prices, so it's crucial that we have these kinds of support programs," he explains. "I'm concerned about how all of the negotiations around the APF could play out. One of our strengths right now is that all of the farm groups have stuck together and are speaking with one, strong voice. We're all far better off as part of a united coalition than if we were divided. We farmers developed a unified position on this issue and Ontario agriculture is the stronger for it. OMAF has strongly endorsed our position, and again we're all stronger for it." He also is encouraged by the fact that some voices within the federal government itself are now starting to express support for the positions put forth by Ontario producers, but he acknowledges that there is a long way to go yet before issues related to the APF will be resolved satisfactorily.
Mat farms, with his brother Frank, near Teeterville in Norfolk County producing corn, tobacco, soybeans, rye and ginseng. Mat's son, a recent Diploma graduate from Guelph, has also returned home to be part of the farming operations. Mat stresses that although the three of them each own their separate pieces of business, it is very much a family operation. "We work together on everything and all use the same equipment. We have to in order to keep it all running smoothly. Frank was Chair of the Tobacco Marketing Board, which was almost a full time job, and now I'm going to be putting a lot more of my time toward OCPA. So, whoever is home has to keep everything going for all of us."
Family and community are high priorities for Mat. He and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters, one son and two grand-daughters, whom Mat admits spoiling unashamedly. "They've got me wrapped around their little fingers," he says. He has been a long-time Director of Norfolk Mutual Insurance Company, was a volunteer fire-fighter for over 20 years, belonged to Lions and other service clubs, and coached baseball and hockey.
Mat is concerned about how some farmers will be able to cope with these hard times. Although their situation is solid now, he remembers the challenges, stresses and hardships that he and Frank faced in the 1980's, and having to take on some work that they didn't really want in order to get through. "If you're able to stay within your comfort zone financially, one can come through hardships not too badly," he recalls. "But if you're fully exposed, it colours your thinking about everything. The stress and emotions cloud your judgement, your decisions and your actions. I remember what the heartaches and strife can be like and I want to do what I can to help others deal with them in the best possible manner."