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Wednesday, November 8, 2006 · Page 9 Agriculture needs rapid response by Ron Bonnett, President Ontario Federation of Agriculture Once again the federal government has demonstrated how quickly it can move on some financial issues. In this case it was the threat of losing major dollars in corporate taxes hrough the income trust egulations. Meanwhile, Canadian armers have been waiting or more than three years or government action to orrect a situation that has ost them billions of dollars n lost income. These farmrs and their organizations have presented proposals to both federal and provincial governments for programs that would reduce or eliminate the risk of lost income due to efforts by foreign overnments to support their farmers. Citing potential high costs for such programs, both levels of government have declined to act on the proposals. They say it would be too costly to fund the programs as proposed by farmers. Without those programs, an increasing number of farmers will be forced out of business setting off a ripple effect throughout rural Canada that has the potential to cost governments much more in social programs and lost tax revenue. Canadian agriculture makes a tremendous contribution to Canada's Gross Domestic Product figure ­ 8.3 percent of the nation's total or $83.9 billion ­ and is a major factor in the country's positive trade balance position. What's so difficult for our elected government leaders to see about the link between having a strong, healthy agricultural economy and a strong national economy? Governments have devised ad hoc programs to put some money into the hands of farmers and their families. These and the recent CAIS adjustments have certainly been helpful in improving farm incomes, but there is still a need for the programs proposed by farmers and their organizations, particularly in the grains, oilseeds, and horticulture sectors. A primary reason farmers need these programs is stability and predictability. Farming is a capital intensive industry requiring a lot of financial planning and skills to deal with the uncertainties presented by weath- er and global markets. There are programs that help with the weather-related risks, but our governments have failed to adjust their thinking and responses to world market situations. Now, with federal coffers overflowing, it would be an ideal time for our government to step forward and show its support for the industry. An investment in agriculture is a direct investment in rural communities Our farmers have the knowledge and land resources to compete with the rest of the world, but when our governments back away from matching the subsidies paid by the governments of our major competitors, it puts our farmers' futures in jeopardy ­ we can't compete with the treasuries of the U.S. and E.U. OFA, working with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and partner farm organizations, have carried out major lobby efforts in the past to improve the understanding of elected and staff government people of Canadian agriculture's situation. We have seen some success, but our governments have come up short of what's ultimately needed. As the urgency for solutions to the income crisis grows, we are preparing for another campaign to take ASSOCIATED GROWERS Bounty of the County ESSEX COUNTY Over 70 Exhibitors · 20 Guest Speakers details of Canadian agriculture's economic potential and economic needs to our governments. Because the economic problems experienced by farmers have a direct impact on the economic health of rural communities, our request for support will be spread far and wide. We hope our government will react as quickly to agriculture's needs as it did to the income trust threat. 56TH ANNUAL TRADE SHOW Nominations called for 2006 Conservation Awards Do you know someone who has contributed to environmental improvements in the past year? The Essex Region Conservation Authority is calling for nominations for its 2006 Conservation Awards, which honour those who have made outstanding contributions towards improving our natural environment. The awards will be presented in three categories: · The Education Award ­ For excellence in conservation education programs or projects in schools, organizations, companies, youth groups. · The Volunteer Awards ­ For outstanding effort in volunteering time and services for conservation programs and projects. · The Environmental Achievement Award ­ For programs or projects undertaken that have enhanced the region's renewable natural resources. In addition to individuals and organizations, municipalities can also be nominated for environmental achievements. To submit a nomination, contact ERCA to obtain a nomination form. Nominations close on Friday, Dec. 15, 2006. The awards, presented since 1992, will be presented at ERCA's annual meeting on Jan. 18, 2007. IMPORTANT VINTAGE GUITARS, ANTIQUES, ART Tuesday, Nov. 21 · 9 am - 8 pm Wednesday, Nov. 22 · 9 am - 4:30 pm Kinsmen Recreation Centre 249 Sherk Street, Leamington View the newest Agricultural Technology & Equipment and Informative Seminars. MISSION FREE AoDe Welcome n Every Call Abe 919-0157 or 325-0733 FREE ESTIMATES ATT: Investors, Newlyweds, Retirees or First Time Buyers. This Friday, Nov. 10th at 10:30 A.M., you are invited to participate in an opportunity to purchase a completely renovated 2 B.R. home - new windows, roof, air conditioning and furnace, electrical and plumbing, kit. cabinets, carpet and ceramic flooring and we are going to include new fridge, stove and dishwasher and immediate possession for this maintenance free home at 469 Alymer Ave. near Casino Windsor. Terms: We will offer to the owners for their consideration, the highest bid received at auction along with your 10% deposit. Conditions as to financing or otherwise will not be accepted. Please have all arrangements made prior to sale. Preview: 9:00 A.M. day of sale or by appointment. Sale is subject to owner's approval. Note: You just might be getting a great deal. Further info call: REAL ESTATE AUCTION LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. RICHARD LAVIN AUCTIONS INC. (519) 735-3070 TECUMSEH Saturday, November 11 at 9:00 A.M. At Lakeside Park Pavillion, Kingsville. Note: If parking lot is full, please park on Division Road. TO BE SOLD AT 1:00 P.M. Important Vintage Guitar Collection: 1963 Fender Stratocaster (Custom Colour), 1966 Fender Telecaster, 1969 Martin D1220 string Acoustic Guitar, 1972 Gibson ES340TD, 1991 Gibson ES135, 1940's Kay Acoustic, 1990's Fender Precision Bass, other guitars; Original 1971 Fender Bassman 50 amplifier, other amps, clarinets, Electric Violin, Selmer saxophone, 2 banjos, etc. ART from a Doctor's Estate: Important Original Oil on canvas by Albert Malet, many other oils, prints, lithos and pictures. Furniture, etc.: Oak umbrella stand, Hoosier cupboard, Victorian 3-drawer chest, early mahogany Davenport desk, Gibbard 4 piece bedroom set, painted flat to the wall with leaded doors, 2 early bake tables, round walnut table and 5 press back chairs, washstand, jam cupboard, iron table and 4 chairs, set of 7 iron chairs, Barrymore sofa and chair, wicker pieces, etc. Estate Jewelry with appraisals, from The Estate of the late Joyce Williams: 18 kt. 2 tone gold, diamond cluster ring (app. $6,000.00), and many others, costume jewelry. Large quantity of Glassware & China: 25 Royal Doulton Figurines: 8 large Royal Doulton Toby's, Belleek, Bunnykins, Beswick, partial sets of Shelley Blue Rock, Begonia and Dainty Blue, Roseville vase, Cornflower, set of Minton dishes, cups and saucers, etc. Collectibles: Quantity of Coca Cola collectibles, old cast iron Boxer and Terrier, blue flowered crock, brown stoneware pitcher signed J.G. Hillborn General Merchant South Woodslee, Singer featherweight unique Deco ashtray, 1924 7 1/2 inch wooden Felix The Cat, oak wall phone, Marx HO train set, 5 ft. 1940's Santa (lights up), old wax doll, 1947 Bireley's pop tin thermometer, die cast cars, Nascar collectibles, some stamps, Gingerbread clock and others, some old coins, wooden bowls and wood turnings, Pepsi cooler, Lone Ranger guitar, etc. We will also be selling items from Holy Rosary Convent on Riverside Drive including an Exceptional solid brass floor lamp, furniture, crucifixes, religious statues and much more! Viewing Saturday from 8:00 A.M. LACASSE AUCTIONS INC. (519)733-3541 For Photos and Listing: www.lacasseauctions.com Jack Morris Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 P.M. Attractive five room 1 1/2 storey house located at 96 St. Paul St., Essex. From Main St. take Brien St. south to St. Paul (beside Anglican Church). To view property call Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 Photos at www,jackmorrisauctions.com Property Auction Sale Auctions Inc. Jack Morris Antiques, Collectibles, Garden Statuary,etc. Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. For Peter VanDenBerg and Monica Reynolds at 1528 Deer Run Road, Leamington. From Erie St. S. take Oak St. east to Deer Run Rd. Or from Hwy. 3 east of Leamington take Cty. Rd. 15 south to Deer Run Rd. Watch for auction signs. This is a large sale with many unusual items. Garden Statuary: pair of lions; urns; cherub bird bath; cast iron and wood benches; other cement garden items. Clocks: gingerbread, quartz, mantle and wall clocks; clock parts. Antiques & Collectibles: Stieff fawn; teddy bear collection; slot machine; traffic lights; brass porthole; ship radar; compass; cream separator; hand cultivators; plows; planters; water pumps; copper and brass items; horse collar w/mirror; wooden wagon wheels; milk cans; Coca Cola items; Ikea stool; oak table and other furniture; depression glass; large selection of china including cups and saucers; irons; dolls; crocks; button collection; Dansk cookware and coffee set; Singer sewing machines - portable and treadle; costume jewelry; old post cards; 4 albums of mint and used Canadian stamps. Cars: 1991 Cadillac in good condition; 1988 Berretta parts. Tools: large selection of misc. tools. Box Lots: large number of assorted box lots. No Reserve. Terms: cash or personalized cheque day of sale. Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents day of sale. Lunch available. Auctioneer: Jack Morris, 519-687-2530 or 1-800-462-3561 Photos at www.jackmorrisacutions.com Auction Sale Auctions Inc.