|
By Tom Collins GUELPH A new farm organization formed to help battle the potential neonicotinoid ban is also asking for a new agricultural commissioner for Ontario. “Its more of a concept were considering rather than a fully-formed ask,” said Farm Action Now chair Craig Reid, a beef cow-calf producer in Bruce County. “I still think were looking for feedback from members as to what that should or could look like. As far as what that person would do, the high-level concept is to be someone who has some boots-on-the-ground experience of what goes on at a production farm on a day-to-day basis and be able to offer some of that perspective to policy makers.” The group is a coalition between several farm organizations, including Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Ontario Canola Growers Association, Seed Corn Growers of Ontario, and Ontario Bean Growers. The catalyst behind the groups formation was neonicotinoids, but Reid said the group will also focus on other issues. “I dont view (neonics) as the only reason for its formation,” he said. “I view it as the message shouldnt change from the coalition from issue to issue. It will be advocating and continuing to push for a complete science and evidence-based evaluation of any changes in policy or regulations. The coalition should serve as a fairly-unified voice for the entire sector.” |
