NFU SEEKING GFO ACCREDITATION TO GIVE FARMERS A THIRD CHOICE

GANANOQUE, Ont.--"This time next year we want farmers to see 'National Farmers Union' on the form when they register their farm businesses," says Peter Dowling, Coordinator for the NFU in Ontario. "Farm families are telling us they want a viable alternative to the status quo. By seeking accreditation as a General Farm Organization, we are responding to that demand."

Don Mills and Elizabeth Grant, of Granton in Middlesex County, joined the NFU earlier this year, and are now part of a local committee recruiting new members in their area. "We were looking for an organization that would represent us as a small family farm," says Mills. "The NFU does that. It takes on the tough questions that face small and medium producers."

The decision to seek accreditation under the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act was taken by the membership at the NFU's Regional Convention in 2000, and since then the Union has been building the foundation for its bid. "The process has given new energy to existing NFU Locals in different parts of the province and is sparking the creation of new ones," Dowling says. "We also have an active youth contingent." Projects in various stages of development are addressing issues of independent hog production, manure composting and farm women's concerns.

"The NFU has a long history in Ontario as a defender of the family farm," Dowling explains. "We were in on the ground floor for supply management and orderly marketing, we led the successful fight against Bovine Growth Hormone, and we constantly challenge the corporate profiteering that is the root cause of the farm income crisis. At the same time as we're presenting briefs on nutrient management and fuel and fertilizer costs, we're speaking out against genetically-modified foods, industrial-style mega-barns, and unfair trade agreements. There are lots of farmers across Ontario who agree with us. We're asking them to join."

"The NFU isn't afraid to take sides on issues," says Colleen Ross-Weatherhead of Iroquois. "That's refreshing. This organization cares about what farm families care about, because it's run by farmers, the decisions are made by farmers. The NFU gives us a voice to say what we see wrong with the way agriculture is going, and it gives us a way to do something about it."

Local groups across the province are working with NFU organizer Bruce Dodds to recruit members, promote local activity, and prepare for accreditation over the next few months.

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For more information:

Peter Dowling, Ontario Coordinator (613) 546-0869

Colleen Ross-Weatherhead, Women's Advisory Rep (613) 652-1552

Don Mills, NFU Member (519) 225-2163

Bruce Dodds, Ontario Organizer (613) 924-9418