King supports money for farmers
By Bill Rea

Ontario farmers need "immediate and sufficient funding" for long-term programs to provide them and their families with "a satisfactory standard of living."

That position was taken in March by the council in the Town of Caledon, and it was recently endorsed by King councillors.

The resolution from Caledon pointed to an income crisis affecting Ontario farms, and stated the Ontario Federation of Agriculture has called upon the provincial and federal governments to act. "The Town of Caledon recognizes the real threat to the long-term financial viability of Ontario farmers and their communities," it stated.

In addition, the resolution called for flexibility in delivering this assistance, in order to preserve programs that have already proven to work for farmers, like supply management systems.

Councillor Steve Pellegrini urged the Caledon position be supported "whole heartedly," pointing out the Township's promotion statements refer to King being internationally recognized for prize cattle and vegetables. "We've got to give this our full support," he said.

Councillor Jane Underhill wondered about defining bonafide farmers, but Councillor Jack Rupke commented people have been trying to answer that issue for hundreds of years.

Councillor Linda Pabst also supported Caledon's position. "Most of my ward is nothing but agriculture," she remarked.