Hi
The WFA likes to keep the business of the primary producer in front of our elected (and wannabe elected). The following email clip was sent out to 16 candidates in the four ridings within the Region of Waterloo.
Hi
Congratulations on your nomination to be a candidate for the federal election October 14 2008.
The WFA represents half of the farms in the Region of Waterloo.We would be glad to meet with you to discuss some of the issues for the primary producer. Our schedule is open for meetings at your leisure and convenience.
jeff stager 519-696-3060
immediate past president WFA
I have received one reply,,,
Dear Jeff. Thank you for your interest in this election campaign. While I may be able set a time to meet, I would be curious to first know a few things about your organization, if you please.
1) Who are your ”half of the farms in Waterloo Region” and what distinguishes them from the other half?
2) What is your relationship with the NFU and Foodlink and marketing boards?
2) What are your plans for communicating to your membership about the outcome of our meeting?
3) Will you be endorsing candidates or parties? What endorsements or recommendations were made to your membership prior to the last election in 2006?
Thank you for your time,
Max Lombardi
NDP Candidate
Cambridge
To which I replyed,,,
Hi Max
Thanks for your interest,,we are always happy to get the story of agriculture out there.
1. There are 1444 farms according to Census Canada, in the ROW ( 42 in Cambridge, 134 in North Dumfries) according to this document http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/WEB/Region.nsf/8f9c046037662cd985256af000711418/0776E1882A72B3DC85256B1B006F8ADB/$file/StatProfile_Ag_1998.pdf?openelement
The farms not in WFA membership have a variety of reasons for not joining,,, religious reasons (old order Mennonites and Amish), disagree with WFA membership, members of other farm organizations ( NFU, Christian Farmers Assoc.) etc.
2.a. The NFU is one of 3 farm organizations registered in Ontario (GFO’s , general farm organizations). We support their policies when they coincide with our policies, and vica versa
2.b The WFA was one of the original sponsors of Foodlink,,, this is ongoing.
2.c. Marketing boards are commodity specific, whereas the WFA is interested in industry wide issues ( hydro rates, zoning, environmental legislation, etc)
3.We will not be endorsing any parties, since we have to work with whoever is elected. Our provincial organization, the OFA (ontario federation of agriculture), will ask for party platform from provincial political parties. This will be assembled and posted for members to see.
Best Regards,
jeff stager
So I’m happy to get some response,,, sure is lots of rural communications to do.
At this time. I don`t expect to get many meetings due to the nature of this election ( read my lips,, this election is so unnecessary). Our main goal is to meet with the 4 successful candidates, probably after the Christmas holidays, with a fuller discussion.
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