Issues of Concern to NFA Members:

Bill 81, the proposed Nutrient Management Act was not passed by the provincial government before the end of the current session on December 13, 2001.

It had been hoped that passage of the Bill might ease some of the tensions at the local level, taking enforcement and regulation out of the hands of the municipality. Many farm organizations support province wide regulations allowing for farm- specific nutrient management plans as the provincial standard.

Many municipalities including Norfolk County are currently struggling with the issue of how to handle building permits for larger livestock operations. In Norfolk County, issuing building permits for large livestock operations has become a heated, emotional issue, creating strife within the rural community. The process of issuing permits has been under scrutiny since early October when it first surfaced that 9 had been granted to local farmers planning on building new hog barns. The term "factory farms" has since then become the new "buzz word."

It is now anticipated that the Bill will be re-introduced in the early spring. M.P.P. Toby Barrett according to an article in the Simcoe Reformer blames the Opposition for the delay of passage of Bill 81. Perhaps. But in the scope of things - how or why it was delayed might not be important.

But the result of that decision does have ramifications within Norfolk County, as County Council will now have to deal with the issue. For some the answer is to stop construction on the current buildings - to wait until an environmental assessment by MOE can be done to "prove" that Simcoe's drinking water will not be contaminated by manure run-off. For others it is passage of a local interim control by-law putting a stop to any farmer requesting a building permit for a livestock barn until the ground water studies locally are complete.

But has anyone given thought to the ramifications of these decisions on the farm community. Maybe, but in the heat of the moment - it does not appear to matter, except to the farmer who's future hangs in the balance. Now suddenly, farmers who have traditionally been known as good stewards of the land, are no longer perceived to be good caretakers of our land and water. One might argue the family farm is exempt from these disparaging comments. But this is not the case. Many farm families are expanding their operations and yes that means building livestock barns. But it does not mean that results in manure run-off and ground water pollution.

Before Council makes any decisions, maybe we all need to take a step back and re-evaluate. As we approach the Holiday Season let us remember that it takes many "hands" to build a strong community. But very little to tear it apart. Let us remember that as we think about the implications of our actions. Let us base our decisions on fact rather than be guided by hysteria. Farmers are good stewards of the land.


Please contact us and let us know your opinions. If the Norfolk Fed. of Agriculture is to represent farmers, we want to know what you, as a farmer, believe in relation to this issue!

 

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