FERGUS, Ont.-"Ontario farmers are demanding leadership on crucial issues," said Peter Dowling, Coordinator for the National Farmers Union in Ontario. "Our members want the NFU to continue to pursue leading edge farm and food policy."

Dowling spoke following the Region 3 (Ontario) annual convention, held on the theme "The NFU - On the Leading Edge", in Fergus earlier this week. The meeting and the day of farm tours which followed drew members from across the province.

"We're seeing a lot of energy and commitment from farmers," said Ineke Booy of Teviotdale, who shares the coordinator position with Dowling. "This convention has identified great potential for the NFU in our region, and our momentum is building."

The meeting discussed a range of topics, among them the problem of corporate control and government promotion of genetically modified foods and the need for environmental and marketing measures that ensure the viability and sustainability of non-intensive livestock production.

Panelist Wayne Roberts of the Toronto Food Policy Council applauded the NFU's involvement in rural-urban alliances that can support farmers in producing the healthy, nutritious food that consumers need.

Middlesex County farmer Don Mills, of the Agricultural Livestock Expansion Response Team (ALERT), presented a compelling case for the kind of sustainable livestock farming favoured by the NFU, which respects the environment and rural communities as well as economic realities.

The convention endorsed two major policy proposals, one aimed at an international solution to the farm income crisis, and the other at regaining public control over genetic resources and food-related technologies. Other resolutions related to the re-organization of NFU locals and co-sponsorship of an up-coming conference on public interest whistle-blowing.

"In times as difficult as these," concluded Dowling. "we're encouraged by the enthusiasm that our policies and actions are generating in the farming community. NFU members are committed to building on that base to strengthen the family farm and ensure its future."

For more information:

Ineke Booy, Ontario Coordinator: (519) 638-3481

Peter Dowling, Ontario Coordinator: (613) 546-0869

Helen Forsey, Regional Secretary: (613) 479-2453