Apple growers ponder fee hike Thursday, February 11, 2010 by SUSAN MANNOntario apple growers have until March 1 to vote on a proposed fee increase of $10 an acre over two years.The first $5-an-acre increase would be this year raising the annual fee to $25 from $20. There would be a further $5-an-acre increase for 2011 that would make the fee $30. About 235 members of Ontario Apple Growers have the opportunity cast their vote by mail. The vote is being conducted by the Apple Growers and not the Farm Products Marketing Commission.For an average farm of 72 acres, the increase would be $360 for this year and a further $360 for next year. All apple farmers with 10 acres or more must belong to the Apple Growers and pay the fee. Farmers with less than 10 acres can voluntarily join and their annual fee is $200 plus GST. The fee for voluntary members isn’t slated to increase as part of this proposal.Brian Gilroy, chair of the Ontario Apple Growers, says a majority of ‘yes’ votes are needed for the proposal to be approved. “But we’re hoping for a much greater vote in favour than just a simple majority and we’re anticipating that we will get support for it.”The current $20-an-acre fee has been in place since 2004 when the organization was established.Gilroy says the increase is needed partly to offset increased costs for research and promotion. There has also been a decrease in the acreage that can be used to fund the organization to 12,500 from 15,000 six years ago.Another reason the increase is needed is due to a change in the way governments now provide funding to organizations for promotion and research. Instead of government grants, there are now contribution agreements. Gilroy says they have to spend the money first before they can tap into government programs to help offset their costs.To be eligible to vote, farmers have to be members in good standing with Ontario Apple Growers.Results will be reported by around the middle of March through a newsletter and a posting on the Apple Growers web site. BF Environmental Protection Agency rules ethanol is green Survey tackles ag labour needs
Buying a horse? How to protect yourself from fraud and hidden health issues Thursday, November 20, 2025 Buying a horse is a major investment for farmers and equine enthusiasts alike. Whether for work, breeding, or recreation, the process often involves trust between buyer and seller. Unfortunately, that trust can sometimes be misplaced. Cases of horses sold with undisclosed... Read this article online
Ont. farmer raises money for employees affected by Hurricane Melissa Thursday, November 20, 2025 An Ontario farmer collected donations to support members of his staff affected by Hurricane Melissa. Brad Raymont employs nine migrant workers from Jamaica to help harvest strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries at Raymont’s Berries in Cottam. “Our farm wouldn’t exist without these... Read this article online
Canadian Farmers Seek Fair Succession Tax Reform Thursday, November 20, 2025 Family farmers across Canada are urging the federal government to update tax rules that they say no longer reflect the reality of modern farming families. Current laws under the Income Tax Act allow farmers to transfer their farms to their own children without immediate tax... Read this article online
Supreme Court Backs CFIA Ostrich Farm Cull Monday, November 17, 2025 Agency staff began rounding up the birds mid-afternoon on November 6, corralling the ostriches into an enclosure made of hay bales about three to four metres high. The cull order was originally given ten months ago, on December 31, after lab tests confirmed the presence of highly... Read this article online
Bringing together today’s leaders with tomorrow’s Monday, November 17, 2025 An event taking place in Guelph this week brings together people in leadership positions with the aspiring leaders of tomorrow. The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s GenNext committee, which encourages people in their 20s and 30s to become involved with the United Way to fully... Read this article online