To:      OFA Board of Directors and PAC
            County Presidents and Secretaries

                Commodity Presidents and Managers

C:            OFA Staff, John Clement - CFFO

Hi all:

I am very pleased to inform you that our proposed FBR fee increase (to $195) has now been posted on the Regulatory Registry.  This is to enable a brief public comment period prior to its final consideration and approval.  It is important that the registry receives numerous comments back in support of the fee change to demonstrate broad support.

The link below provides access to the registry – you can file comments on line (click on a link at the bottom of the registry page) or by sending written comments to Barry Sinclair at the address provided on the page.

The comment period ends November 2 so please file soon and encourage fellow members to do so as well.

Thanks for your help.  

The posting on the Regulatory Registry is  http://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=2162&language=en

Monsanto Canada is pleased to announce details of its 2009 Opportunity Scholarship program.  This year, Monsanto estimates it will provide approximately 60 scholarships to deserving high school students across the country entering their first year of post-secondary education in agriculture or forestry.  Each scholarship is valued at $1,500 and will be awarded to students who meeting the following criteria:

Please Note: The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is working to identify alternatives.

OMAFRA Info Update - Deadstock concerns

Attention livestock producers – on March 1st, interim funding for the deadstock sector ended. The deadstock sector is aware that this subsidization was intended as a bridge to help the industry until they had more options under the new regulations. The majority of the industry understands and accepts that the costs of waste disposal are generally borne by the generator.

Do you remember the impact that 4H made on you when you were growing up?  The great friends, sense of accomplishment on achievement day, the tested and true head, heart, hands and health pledge,  the fantastic leaders that guided you?  If so, the youth of today needs you.  Wellington County does not have enough leaders to accomodate our interested youth.  If you would like to make things "go full circle" contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ontario’s farm organizations have assembled a list of essentials needed from Ottawa to KEEP Ontario agriculture in business.

Following a recent funding announcement from the provincial government, Geri Kamenz, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) promised: "All of Ontario agriculture will now turn its focus on the federal government to provide its share of economic support to our producers."

The WFA would like to know if you are happy with the recent provincial governments funding announcement for the beef, hog, and horticulture sectors, so that we may lobby on your behalf! To voice your comments please go to the members section, then to the forum and register to let us know! We need your feedback!

Specific information for producers on the new Ontario Cattle, Hog and Horticulture Payment is available by calling Agricorp at 1-877-838-5144

With the holiday season upon us, many Ontarians find time to enjoy the time-honoured tradition of sitting down to feasts with family and friends. As you embrace the joy the season brings, why not take a moment to give a special thanks to one of Ontario’s hardest working groups: the farmer.

In what is often a ‘round the clock, job, Ontario farmers have long dedicated their lives and livelihoods to producing safe, healthy food. And they have done it with a passion and commitment that is rare in many industries today. With the province’s increasing population, Ontario’s agriculture industry has proven it is more than able to keep pace. Farming is the second largest industry in Ontario and is an important part of our heritage and of our future.