2017 OSCIA Resolutions

Transcription

1 2017 OSCIA Resolutions Resolution #1 Dufferin Tillage Systems research for Dundalk Plains crop Rotations WHEREAS Long term tillage/crop rotation experiments have been ongoing at Ridgetown College and the Elora Research Station, and; WHEREAS Yield results from these experiments indicate that reduced tillage treatments have greater soybean yield penalty at Elora compared with similar treatments at Ridgetown, and; WHEREAS The observed yield loss in reduced tillage treatments is thought to be due to the shorter growing season at Elora compared to the growing season at Ridgetown, and; WHEREAS Some farmers practicing reduced till and no-till systems for soybeans in 2015 following 2014 corn experienced yield losses of 25% compared to soybeans grown utilizing conventional tillage, and; WHEREAS Conservation tillage systems are not commonly used for cropping systems on the Dundalk Plains, and; WHEREAS Solutions to climate change include crop production systems that involve less tillage to allow for greater carbon sequestration in soil. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that OSCIA work with the University of Guelph and OMAFRA to conduct and/or support, no-till vs. conventional tillage trials in the Georgian Central Counties to determine sustainable reduced/ conservation tillage practices that are both economic and enhance soil health. Moved by Alvin Brooks (York), Seconded by Paul Lynch (Simcoe South) CHAIR OF PLANT AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH CHAIR OF SOIL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH & SERVICES COMMITTEE

2 Resolution #2 Dundas One Sustainability Document WHEREAS many end-users and retailers of agricultural products are asking for proof that these agricultural products are being produced sustainably, and; WHEREAS all sectors red meats, horticulture, crops, and general agriculture groups are working towards setting a standard for their sectors, and; WHEREAS farmers need a reporting system that is universal, easy to administer and that is acceptable to end-users and retailers of agricultural products. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA encourage all other groups working on a sustainability scheme to have ONE sustainability document that is flexible enough to cover all commodities and meet the requirements set forth by endusers and retailers Moved by John Devries (Dundas), Seconded by Mike Pasztor (Norfolk) CHAIR OF SUSTAINABLE FARM & FOOD INITIATIVE PRESIDENT S COUNCIL COPIED TO CEO, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO PRESIDENT, BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO CHAIR, DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO CHAIR, ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Dear Mr. Graham, RESPONSE FROM BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO I am writing on behalf of Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) in response to your letter regarding the resolution that OSCIA received from Dundas County on One Sustainability Document. BFO supports the concept of one platform for producers to enter sustainability verification programs to assist in navigating the various sustainability schemes across the commodities and in the different requirements of retailers and end users. We recognize that there are multiple sustainability programs in development, and that there is a need to coordinate these efforts to minimize duplication and ease the burden on producers.

3 However, BFO remains committed to our national sustainability programs, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+). Other agricultural sectors are also considering their own approaches to verifying sustainability, and we believe that different commodities often require different sustainability programs. The One Sustainability Document resolution calls on commodity groups to have one sustainability document that can cover all commodities and meet the requirements of end users and retailers. BFO believes that a single verification program is no likely to meet the requirements of all commodities, retailers, end users, jurisdictions, special interest groups and trading partners. With multiple sustainability programs being introduced to producers across agricultural sectors, it will be important to ensure recognition in equivalent programs is provided so producers are not forced to duplicate requirements for similar sustainability indicators. For example, BFO is advocating for equivalency between the CRSB s Verification Framework, VBP+ and the dairy industry s proaction. To achieve better harmonization and coordination between sustainability verification metrics and programs, we must continue to work within and across commodities on equivalency between programs and investigate the options for providing producers with one entry point into sustainability verification. As such, a tool to help producers and retailers navigate the various sustainability programs would be beneficial. This approach could minimize the need for multiple audits and reporting as it would help demonstrate equivalency and overlap between programs. BFO s commitment must continue to focus on beef sustainability initiatives currently underway at the national level, but we would be happy to participate in discussions on how to assist Ontario producers in navigating the various sustainability programs and retailer requirements. Sincerely, Matt Bowman President cc. Barry Senft, Grain Farmers of Ontario Ralph Dietrich, Dairy Farmers of Ontario Jason Verkaik, Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Susan Fitzgerald, President s Council Gord Surgeoner, Sustainable Farm and Food Initiative BFO Board of Directors RESPONSE FROM ONTARIO FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Dear Mr. Surgeoner, President s Council and Mr. Graham, The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) would like to take this opportunity to respond to a letter dated April 3, 2017 with respect to Resolution #2 Dundas One Sustainability Document. OFVGA thanks the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association for extending the offer to provide comment on this proposal. OFVGA is strongly opposed to this concept for the following reasons:

4 - While OFVGA believes that the intent is good, our board finds that there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration. For example, there is a strong likelihood that certain commodities are going to be required to have some sort of sustainability program before others. - Sustainability is already a part of the Environmental Farm Plan, it is brief, but it is there. - Our board is uncomfortable with some of the working used in this document i.e. proof the products are being produced sustainably, this would be challenging to prove. Second, therefore be it resolved one document to cover all commodities to meet requirements set forth by end users and retailers. - OFVGA does not support letting end-users and retailers dictate their requirements. In addition, aligning with groups like the Provision Coalition, who represent retailers is also a concern. We see this move as a way for retailers to try to differentiate themselves and have an advantage over other retailers at the expense of the growers. - The proposal does not relate to labour or export which are areas that should be taken into consideration. The notion of having a sustainability plan that encompasses all commodities is a noble one and does have its merits, though it fails to recognize other factors like the ones mentioned above. In addition, the thought of being mandated to have separate sustainability plans for each commodity would be burdensome to farmers who may have multiple commodities on their farm. OFVGA s members do want to be sustainable, but we cannot regulate ourselves to the point of being uncompetitive or at the behest of retailers. Once again, we thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the above-mentioned resolution. Sincerely, Alison Robertson Executive Director, OFVGA Jan VanderHout Chair, OFVGA Board of Directors cc. Mr. Barry Senft, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) Mr. Matt Bowman, President, Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) Mr. Ralph Dietrich, Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO)

5 Resolution #3 Elgin Vomitoxin Management WHEREAS the 2016 corn crop had high levels of vomitoxin, and; WHEREAS the disease seriously impacts quality and value of grain. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA support projects that identify and promote management practices that may reduce the risk of disease infection and resulting quality issues. Moved by Phil Oegema (Elgin), Seconded by Nick Hoffsuemmer (Elgin) CHAIR OF PLANT AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH CHAIR OF ONTARIO CORN COMMITTEE COPIED TO PATHOLOGIST FIELD CROPS, OMAFRA DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & INNOVATION BRANCH, OMAFRA CEO, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO ONTARIO CORN COMMITTEE SECRETARY

6 Resolution #4 Elgin Phosphorus Management Initiatives WHEREAS there is increased focus on P issues in the Lake Erie Basin, and; WHEREAS there have been projects to encourage strip till, cover crops, soil health and other initiatives to manage Phosphorus. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA encourage ongoing research for these kinds of projects and encourage the extension of the GLASI funding to farmers for equipment modifications to adopt new technology. Moved by Phil Oegema (Elgin), Seconded by Nick Hoffsuemmer (Elgin) DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH, OMAFRA

7 Resolution #5 Elgin Research and Funding for Planter Modifications to Reduce Neonicotinoid Contaminated Dust WHEREAS recent research has identified issues with vacuum planters and neonicotinoid contaminated dust, and; WHEREAS Ontario farmers use insecticides as part of an Integrated Pest Management Approach to manage pests. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA support research to determine optimal planter configurations to reduce contaminated dust, and; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA encourage OMAFRA to promote and fund these options to Ontario Farmers with government programs. Moved by Phil Oegema (Elgin), Seconded by Nick Hoffsuemmer (Elgin) DIRECTOR, RESEARCH & INNOVATION BRANCH, OMAFRA DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH COPIED TO ART SCHAAFSMA, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

8 Resolution #6 Golden Horseshoe Region OSCIA Public Profile WHEREAS the current age of the farmer is rising and few young people seek to be on the local county boards, and; WHEREAS graduates coming out of our public colleges and universities generally do not know who the Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association is, and; WHEREAS there is no information about OSCIA in the Soil Sciences programs, and; WHEREAS there are no incentives for young people to purchase a membership in OSCIA. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA seek to develop a program with/for the colleges and universities to increase their knowledge about OSCIA, raise the profile and recognize the logo, and; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA seek to offer a discounted membership to students in Ag. School. Moved by Larry Davis (Brant), Seconded by Andrew Pattemore (Haldimand) DEAN, ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

9 Resolution #7 Grey GLASI Eligibility Area WHEREAS there is a significant portion of Grey County that is intensively farmed adjacent to water courses and Georgian Bay, not included in GLASI and that may adversely affect the water quality in the waters of Lake Huron, and; WHEREAS financial incentives and programs available through GLASI would increase adoption of on-farm practices to improve water quality. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA request that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) extend the GLASI eligibility area to include all of Grey County (AMENDED TO: ALL OF ONTARIO). Moved by Rob McDonald (Grey), Seconded by Brandon Gilles (Grey) DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH, OMAFRA

10 Resolution #8 Middlesex Winter Nutrient Application WHEREAS winter nutrient application is of environmental concern, and; WHEREAS winter weather is incredibly variable, with times of opportunity and times of issue, and; WHEREAS other jurisdictions have used calendar dates to mandate application timing, despite that this one size fits all approach removes options that have minimal environmental impact. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA remain involved and strongly support recommendations and regulations that allow options for winter application when appropriate, and have significant deterrents for when conditions are not suitable. Moved by Larry McGill (Middlesex), Seconded by Kerrie Jenken (Middlesex) DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH, OMAFRA DEPUTY MINISTER, OMAFRA COPIED TO CHAIR, WASTE UTILIZATION SUB-COMMITTEE Dear Mr. Graham: RESPONSE FROM DEPUTY MINISTER, OMAFRA Thank you for writing to share Resolution #8 Middlesex Winter Nutrient Application, identified at the OSCIA annual meeting on behalf of its members. The issue of manure and nutrient application during winter months is a practice that my ministry has actively discouraged for many years. As expressed in the resolution, the Ministry appreciates that OSCIA has been among those voices that have questioned the validity of the planned and regular application of nutrients outside of the growing season.

11 As you know, the Ontario government is taking a collaborative approach through the Agricultural Working Group under the Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie. By having the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change working with the farm organizations, we are looking to develop actions that will address the urgent need to reduce phosphorus loadings to Lake Erie while recognizing the real needs of farm operations in the watershed. The Draft Canada-Ontario Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie Phosphorus Reduction was released on the Environmental Bill of Rights ( External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeld=MTMxOTM3&statusld=MjAwMjQ2) on March 10, 2017 and will be posted until May 9, The posting is seeking input on the proposed government actions included in the draft and also requesting that stakeholders and other agencies submit actions that they expect to undertake as part of the plan. I encourage your organization to provide further input and to consider submitting actions that your organization intends to undertake in the Lake Erie basin as part of the plan. Once again, thank you for bringing the concerns of the OSCIA membership to the government s attention. Your truly, Greg Meredith Deputy Minister, OMAFRA

12 Resolution #9 Middlesex Phosphorous Residue WHEREAS International, Federal and Provincial levels of government have identified Great Lakes water quality as a priority, and have announced ambitious targets for the reduction of phosphorus in the Great Lakes, both bound and soluble, and; WHEREAS there is some concern that these targets would be difficult to attain, even if all agricultural practices were ceased, and; WHEREAS the agricultural industry recognizes that it has a role and that phosphorus discharge could be and must be reduced. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA work with other farm groups to ensure that any mandated phosphorus management be based on Ontario scientifically attainable levels, and; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA ensure, that any target level set also consider that any food production will have an environmental footprint, and; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA suggest to both levels of government that new funding be provided for provincial research and extension to develop practices that reach these goals. Moved by Larry McGill (Middlesex), Seconded by Kerrie Jenken (Middlesex) Q.C., COMMISSIONER, CANADIAN CHAIR, INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION, CANADIAN SECTION MINISTER, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE, ONTARIO MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COPIED TO ONTARIO REGIONAL DIRECTOR, AAFC DEPUTY MINISTER, OMAFRA

13 REPLY BY MINISTER GLEN MURRAY, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE Dear Mr. Graham: Thank you for your letter of April 3, 2017 advising of OSCIA s Resolution #9 with regard to phosphorus reduction targets for the Great Lakes. I am pleased to respond and would also like to provide some background on Ontario s role and recent work on phosphorus in the Great Lakes. Canada and U.S. made a commitment under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, 2012 to develop phosphorus targets for Lake Erie by 2016 and domestic actions plans (for achieving these targets) by Ontario supports the phosphorus loading reduction targets adopted by the Canada and U.S. in February The province is now working actively with Canada to complete an action plan for meeting the binational targets which apply to the Canadian side of Lake Erie no later than February The Government of Canada together with the Province of Ontario released a draft Canada- Ontario Action Plan for Lake Erie on March 10, 2017 for a 60-day public comment period ending on May 24, I encourage the OSCIA to review and provide comments through the Environmental Registry posting at under # I am encouraged to see that the OSCIA is engaged in the discussions on phosphorus reductions. As the largest contributor, the agriculture sector will have a key role to play in meeting the 40 percent phosphorus reduction targets which apply to the central basin of Lake Erie and the Thames Valley River and Leamington Area watersheds. Other sectors will also be expected to make contributions to the load reductions needed to meet the targets. Our colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs have been working hard to engage with many agricultural groups over the past two years to develop a set of actions for the draft Action Plan for Lake Erie that build upon the many programs already in place for reducing the loss of phosphorus from agricultural lands. The Lake Erie targets can be achieved if all sectors work together under a Canada-Ontario plan that has undergone extensive engagement with all Lake Erie partners. I encourage the OSCIA to take advantage of opportunities to engage with Ontario through engagement sessions being planned in 2017 as we move towards finalizing the Action Plan later this year. Thank you for bringing the OSCIA s concerns to my attention, and please accept my best wishes. Sincerely, Glen Murray Minister, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change C: Mr. Gordon Walker, Q.C. Commissioner, Canadian Chair International Joint Commission The Honorable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Mr. Greg Meredith, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

14 Resolution #10 North Niagara Multi-County Grants WHEREAS the current OSCIA guidelines presently require each county to apply separately for a grant, and; WHEREAS each county must divide the costs of a joint meeting such as speakers, hall rental, office costs and labour evenly, and; WHEREAS presently the county writing the cheque for the speaker (example) must use up their share of their grant even though all counties attending benefit, and; WHEREAS there is no incentive for the counties to work together on a project such as a bus trip, guest speakers, demonstrations of equipment, etc. due to the complication of extra paperwork, and; WHEREAS if smaller counties held separate meetings the costs would increase for OSCIA by paying out more grants. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA seek to change the guidelines to allow counties to work together on a project and submit one application for all counties involved, and; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA seek to reimburse each county for their share of their grant without filling out an application for each county. Moved by Alvin Brooks (York), Seconded by John VanderWerff (Niagara North) RESPONSE FROM OSCIA PROVINCIAL OFFICE Dear Mr. Sikkens: Thank you for submitting the resolution Multi-County Grants to the OSCIA Annual conference held February 7-8, The resolution was passed by the delegates at the conference and upon review by the Board, the decision was made that OSCIA should reply directly to the local association regarding this resolution. The resolution underscores the need for us to try and be clearer with our messaging

15 concerning grants that are exclusive to member organizations. We respectfully suggest the guidelines, application and claim form already allow for multiple local/regional associations to pool their resources towards one project/event. Only one application needs to be filled out, but it needs to be made clear on the application that this is a multi-scia project and it needs to list all the appropriate counties/districts/regions and contact people involved. To be reimbursed, each county involved is required to submit a claim form, providing proof of payment. This can be as simple as an invoice from the county who paid to the counties who participated, marked Paid and signed by the invoicing county/district/region. Each SCIA does not need to split the invoices but can simply pay the lead SCIA and provide their invoice from the lead SCIA as their proof of payment. There are some good examples of where counties have worked together on single projects to bring a high-caliber speaker in to speak at several local meetings, for example. It could potentially work the same for a bus trip or equipment demonstration, or other projects. I trust this information will be helpful to you and your colleagues within Niagara North SCIA. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, should you require further information. OSCIA would be pleased to assist in any way possible. Thanks for your interest and for sharing your ideas. We ll keep looking for ways to improve the Tier One grant to keep the application and claim process straightforward and still respect our obligations to the Ministry with respect to reporting requirements. Sincerely, Andrew Graham Executive Director, OSCIA...avdp cc. Gary Mountain, Golden Horseshoe President Ingrid Sikkens, Golden Horseshoe Secretary Janice Janiec, Golden Horseshoe RCC Steve Sickle, Golden Horseshoe Regional Director Encl. Tier One Grant Guidelines (updated)

16 Resolution #11 West Nipissing/East Sudbury Wildlife Damage Questions by Agricorp WHEREAS Wildlife damage to crops is often not reported by producers, and; WHEREAS There is a need to determine the exact number of acres that is damaged by wildlife in the province, and; WHEREAS Government is seeking actual number of acres and yield loss to make policies and deliver programs to address wildlife damage, and; WHEREAS Agricorp is a recognized Ontario agency, and; WHEREAS Agricorp already collects information to deliver agricultural programs. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA request that Agricorp ask pertinent questions on wildlife damage (Ex: species of wildlife that caused damage, # of acres damaged by wildlife, % of crop damage, yield loss, etc.) to producers when they provide their yield report to help determine actual damage numbers, and; FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA work with OMAFRA and Agricorp to develop programs that better meet producers needs. Moved by Normand Delorme (Nipissing), Seconded by Gerald Beaudry (West Nipissing) CEO, AGRICORP CHAIR AGRICULTURE/WILDLIFE CONFLICT WORKING GROUP COPIED TO ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER, POLICY DIVISION, OMAFRA

17 REPLY BY DOUG LAROSE, CEO, AGRICORP Dear Mr. Graham, Resolution #11 West Nipissing/East Sudbury Wildlife Damage Questions Thank you for your letter of April 3, regarding questions about wildlife damage for producers who report their Production Insurance yields. We recognize this supports your resolution from April 2016, to develop an insurance policy that covers wildlife damage to crops, and we appreciate your willingness to work with Agricorp and OMAFRA to develop programs that better meet producer needs. As discussed at the OSCIA board meeting in November, we have completed testing different methods of collecting data about the yield impact of wildlife damage, and reported our findings to the Agricultural-Wildlife Conflict Working Group. We concluded that any future work by industry should first focus on clearly defining how to measure wildlife damage, and then on determining the best approach to collect the required data. Debbie Brander has provided you with a copy of the report that was shared with the working group and I encourage you to review our findings. Agricorp s mandate is to deliver agricultural risk management programs that protect Ontario producers from a variety of losses, including loss caused by wildlife. In terms of next steps, we are waiting to hear from the working group about any additional initiatives we should take beyond our current mandate. We will also continue to participate in discussions taking place at this forum. I d like to thank you for your support in reviewing the forage plan and for the opportunity to speak to your membership at the annual meeting this year. We remain committed to working with OSCIA and OMAFRA to ensure our programs remain relevant and responsive to industry needs. Please feel free to contact Debbie Brander if you have any further questions. Sincerely, Doug LaRose CEO, Agricorp C. Debbie Brander, Manager, Product Management & Industry Relations, Agricorp David Hagarty, Director, Farm Finance Branch, OMAFRA Charlie Lalonde, Chair, Agricultural-Wildlife Conflict Working Group

18 Resolution #12 Stormont / Eastern Valley - Annual Meeting Location WHEREAS the Annual Meeting of OSCIA has been held west of Toronto for the last number of years, and; WHEREAS WHEREAS there is significant membership of OSCIA that reside east of Toronto, and; travel to the Annual Meeting should be more balanced for all the membership to encourage participation from across the province. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the OSCIA Annual Meeting be held at a location east of Toronto at least once every 5 years. Moved by Kevin Glaude (Stormont), Seconded by Reuben DeJong (Northumberland) DIRECTORS HAVE TAKEN THIS SUGGESSTION UNDER ADVISMENT Decision was made to hold the 2018 Annual Conference at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London and to investigate alternative locations for future years.

19 Resolution #13 Thunder Bay Tile Drainage WHEREAS the practice of installing a tile drainage system is a best management practice in Ontario that has many positive benefits for crop production and the environment, and; WHEREAS Northern Ontario has many areas of land in need of improvement through tile drainage, and; WHEREAS it is difficult to hire more Ontario licensed tile drainage operators in Northern Ontario. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that OSCIA request OMAFRA to review current regulations on tile drainage certification/licensing to facilitate contractors from other jurisdictions working in Northern Ontario. Moved by Johan Huisman (Thunder Bay), Seconded by Allan Mol (Thunder Bay) DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH, OMAFRA COPIED TO OMAFRA REPRESENTATIVE, LAND IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS OF ONTARIO