'Devil in the details'
Mar 20, 2007 - 12:00 AM
By Izabela Jaroszynski
DURHAM -- With a budget largely focused on supporting working families, the federal government is taking some initiatives that will bring benefit to Durham's family farmers and agricultural producers.
"I think, generally, the farmers are pleased," said Marlene Werry, the rural economic development officer for Durham Region.
Unveiled by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Monday, the budget doesn't hold many surprises for Durham's agricultural industry. Included in the budget is $1 billion in direct assistance to farmers -- money that was announced earlier in March.
The funding is split in two ways. The first part of the money -- $400 million -- will go directly to farmers to help offset rising production costs they have experienced in the past four years. The remaining $600 million will be used to reform the current Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program.
"Traditionally the farmers haven't been happy with the CAIS program," Ms. Werry said. "The government is going to look at revamping that stabilization program, which I think is important."
She says that the money will at least double the interest-free advances available to farmers.
Bev Oda, the MP for Durham, says that the $600 million will be used as the basis to build new savings account system for farmers.
"It's not a total replacement of the CAIS program because you can't just do that in one fell swoop," she said. "But it is the first step."
Mr. Flaherty says he is confident the program will meet the approval of Durham farmers because it is designed to address the concerns they raised to him.
But the federal finance minister says that there is more in his budget for farmers than just that $1 billion in direct aid.
"This is sometimes not recognized, but the investment that we've committed of $2 billion in alternative renewable fuel will directly affect agriculture because there we are talking about ethanol, of course, and biodiesel, which have a great demand for agricultural products in terms of the production of renewable energy," he said.
The commitment will inject the money into renewable fuel production over the next seven years and Mr. Flaherty says it will result in new jobs for the growing energy sector.
Ms. Werry is hopeful that the money announced in the budget will bring benefit to local farmers, but for now she is taking a let's-wait-and-see attitude.
"As always, the devil is in the details," Ms. Werry added. "So we are just waiting to see how it really affects our individual farmers depending on their commodities and net farm sales."
Recommend :
Latest News
Oshawa bank robbedOSHAWA -- The Durham police canine unit hunted for a suspect after a bank robbery in east Oshawa this afternoon.Sergeant Steve Jones said police officers detained a man who...
Durham drug cops announce $3M bustDURHAM -- Dozens of people have been arrested and drugs with an estimated street value in excess of $3 million have been seized in a massive strike by Durham police against...
Newcastle area asked to conserve water nowDURHAM -- Anyone connected to municipal water in Newcastle is asked to conserve use immediately. The Newcastle water supply plant, which also serves Newtonville, has had...
Hijacked rig unloaded in AjaxAJAX -- A trucker who was hijacked in Mississauga was taken to Ajax where his cargo of electronics was unloaded and stolen, police have confirmed. The incident occurred on the...
Pickering fireworks vendors robbed on Canada DayPICKERING -- Two armed bandits made off with cash after they robbed fireworks vendors in Pickering on Canada Day. Durham police said the two employees had closed their storage...
Boy, 15, charged in Pickering sex assaultPICKERING -- A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman who was attacked in her Pickering home in February. It's believed the suspect is a former...
Suspect in numerous Durham break-ins bustedDURHAM -- A suspect in more than 40 break-ins in Durham Region has been arrested and police continue to investigate potential links to other incidents. Durham police picked up...
Sentenced to life in Pickering murder, Cyr denies guiltWHITBY -- Even as he was being sentenced to prison with a judge's recommendation he never be released, convicted killer Paul Cyr forcefully denied any role in the murder of a...
Five Durham beaches posted unsafe for swimming
DURHAM --Five beaches in Durham Region are considered unsafe for swimming after the most recent water quality tests. Elgin Pond has been posted with a caution against...
Cops disperse pot party in Oshawa
OSHAWA -- A small crowd which gathered for what was billed as a "Cannabis Day" celebration at Alexandra Park in Oshawa has been met by almost a dozen police...