Busta

If you're comming from the states on Friday you might want to watch out for disgruntled farmers.

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From: http://www.thepioneer.com/jan29_401block.htm

Farmers to block Highway 401, protesting government regulations
By: Nicole da Costa
Date: 01/29/2005
Web posted at: 12:00 p.m. EDT

A convoy of trucks and tractors will block Highway 401 and the International Bridge leading to the USA on Feb. 4.

Following the 401 protest last Friday, the Lanark Landowners Association will lead the Stop the Destruction convoy from Ingersoll, through downtown Toronto, to arrive in Prescott, Ont. Farmers and rural residents are participating in the blockades to protest government regulations.

"We're not going to stop," said Lanark Landowners Association President Randy Hillier.

Farming in Ontario may become nothing more than a hobby if government regulations are not changed, said protester Donna Graves.

All over Ontario, farmers are losing their market to imported products. The government regulates what kinds of chemicals farmers put on their crops, but they do not regulate produce coming from other countries. Because Canadian produce undergoes costly inspections, the costs in supermarkets rise, while the prices of imported food remains low, said tobacco farmer Tracey Boerkamp.

"We've got four sons, and we've encouraged every one to leave the farm," said tobacco farmer Larry Korczak.

Most consumers do not look at where their produce is coming from, they look at the price, Boerkamp said.

"Agriculture will die if we don't do something about it," said protester Marlene Black.

Hillier said the biggest problem is people don't think they can change things. He wrote a letter to MPP Steve Peters expressing an interest in meeting to discuss some concerns, but Hillier did not receive a reply for two months.

"It's easier to shut down the 401 than it is to get the government to respond," he said.

The protesters addressed other issues apart from the regulations on their products.

One major issue was the Nutrient Management Act. It is provincial legislation, which is basically intended to control how manure is handled on farms. The act originated from the crisis in Walkerton, and the government is now taking that isolated incident and applying it to all of Ontario.

Farmers are now required to complete nutrient management documents before constructing any structures on their land. The farmer may complete the forms on their own, but if they decide to do so, they would be required to take the ministry's training course. If the farmer does not want to take the course he or she would have to hire a consultant to complete the paperwork.

Regardless of which option the farmer chooses, there are many regulations that have to be taken into consideration before the construction can begin. Some of the regulations apply to rules such as the setbacks from surface water such as creeks, streams and lakes. Limited application on snow-covered or frozen ground, limited application near municipal wells, no spreading on saturated soils.

Drinking water comes from these surface water sources, but it is always chlorinated before it reaches taps. If there was any contamination, the chlorine would take care of that.

Water is also quickly becoming an issue, as the government wants to implement legislation stating all water in rural areas must be metered. In cities each home has a water meter, but in rural areas where water comes from wells, there is no need. However, if this new legislation goes through places like churches, community halls, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and gas stations will be forced to pay $25,000 just for the installation of the meters. Then there is yearly upkeep.

"A lot of these places will be shut down," protester Ron Armstrong said.

The government also wants all well water to be treated with chlorine. Unfortunately since these establishments usually use septic systems, the chlorine would do more harm than good. Chlorine kills the bacteria necessary to make the system work.

"We don't mind having the water tested," Armstrong said. "We don't want to be drinking bad water. The thing is the water has been tested, and it is perfectly fine. Additional testing is quite costly and these businesses can not afford the added costs. Water regulations effect anyone living in a rural community, said Armstrong.

The price of their cattle has dropped dramatically over the past few years. Farmers used to make $700 from one cow, and now they're worth about $100 each. The consumer would never know that the farmer is not making a lot of money because the supermarket prices are so high.

Small abattoirs are being shut down because the government is introducing regulations that they can not keep up with. They are being forced to close. The larger abattoirs can afford the upgrades and regulations. In fact they are pleased because it is eliminating the competition.

The government is strictly enforcing inspection of produce and meat. All food products from farms must undergo inspections to ensure quality and safety

"Suddenly what we've been doing for centuries is illegal," said Black.

Black explained that she was no longer allowed to sell eggs from her lane way. She said her neighbours want to buy her beef because they know where it came from, and they know what the cattle was fed.

"You can't even invite someone over for dinner and serve that toast beef because everything has to be inspected now," said Graves

Another issue the farmers have is with wildlife. Deer are eating the crops, and small trees, and the farmers can not easily protect their land.

"The next generation of trees is gone," said Special licenses are needed, and they are not easily obtained because the Ministry of Natural Resources puts on conditions that are impossible to meet.

The farmers have many other concerns, and wait for the government to acknowledge them. Until they do, the rural revolution will continue.

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Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of hits we take from the bong

basic

Dear God, Won't Someone think of the Ravers!

peachfuzz

hopefully they're done with their bs by the time we come through on saturday... heh-

CareSieB

hahaha...im glad we are flying..good lord

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Remember when we first met, Friends until the end, I'll hold you in my heart, until we meet again!

anabolic frolic

Prescott is the opposite direction from Toronto than what most Americans coming up would enter from so don't sweat it.

Weaver

hehehe those crazy farmers!

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The cake is a lie.

kandeegirl2

i would hope they're not up at 12;30 am when i cross over on friday night/sat morn

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Definition of love:
the ability to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.

itsgigglegirl

buahahaha

silly farmers...this sort of thing only works in France

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~~Noodle~~

You can't miss me, I'm the girl with the smile

Shake like an earthquake, and cut like a guillotine

orbz

what, activism?

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You call yourself hardcore?
You only scratching the surface.

DJLeash

word man i don't want to have to kick any farmer ass.
i'd feel bad.
but if they make me mad, i'm gonna hit em with a cow...

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happy 2 tha hard 2 tha mother f*ckin core!
FOR MIXES, PARTY INFO AND MORE GO TO:
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ctraverboy

These are the situations that call for a ten thousand dollar car audio system, tuned for sheer volume, and a tape of machine gun fire.