Title: Farmers to block Ottawa food distribution centres Post by: editor on April 20, 2006, 10:20:24 am Farmers to block Ottawa food distribution centres The Hamilton Spectator Ottawa (Apr 20, 2006) Quote "Farmers...blockading food distribution centres" The sad dilemma is that the Federal and Provincial governments don't care and realize that farmers have little clout. There is no pressingissues as food is flowing well across our boarders. These inconveniences created in blockading food distribution centers have little impact on governments. Moreover, it does little in gaining support from food distributors, it fact it only adds to the frustration to merchants who purchase through such outlets. The facts are that farmers are considered by governments as a fifth to tenth rate pain of distant necessity. Though the agriculture sector is deemed to be the responsibility of provincial and federal governments who have become so isolated from the grass roots of farming, there is a great need to bring this issue to local city governments. Cities are the true benefactors of low agriculture products. Many will construe the fact that farmers receive too many subsidies, when in fact such benefits are to maintain lower food prices for the urban population. Clearly this plight must examine the facts of where are the local cities on this issue, they who collect the tax dollars. Where are the cities that stand in support of the farmers plight. When large corporations within said cities are unstable or are facing financial difficulties and or are faced with closing their doors, cities plead to the provinces and federal government for support on their behalf. Perhaps, only due to the fact that when such corporations disappear it impacts on their tax base, including the fact it may effect a larger number at a time that would be forced on welfare roles. With farmers it’s one family at a time that hits the dust, not that relevant in the big scheme of life. It’s time for farmers to withhold their taxes. It’s time to get the local politicians and city officials to recognize they have a responsibility. They can no longer collect such taxes without representation. When cities realize that all farmers in this province have contributed to the foundation and growth of downtowns with little to no return and that such tax funds are not going to be forth coming they will have little choice but to support and help broker some financial support from provincial and federal government. It has been said, that many farmers have large mortgage and working capital that will put their farms at risk if they chose to withhold such taxes. In the final analysis to fall, one at a time or together, moreover who will the banks or the city sell all the farmland to in Ontario to ? When there is no viable returns....? What do you think...? Send Comments to ham_editor@yahoo.ca |