It was organized by the West Prince Chamber of Commerce. In support of farmers, rural businesses churches and schools. The situation with Island Farmers and farm related business here on PEI is serious. After the second year in a row of low commodity prices, a high Canadian dollar, too many potatoes on the market, the closing of the only hog processing plant on PEI and poor beef prices. The Island farming community came together in front of Province House to plead their case with the government. It was very cold, drizzly weather. But about 400 people came out for this very important gathering. Premier Ghiz came out to address the crowd. But not much was accomplished. The PEI GOvernment can't fix this with a big cheque, he said.
We knew this already, but what else can be done, that is the question.
Many speakers had passionate words to say about the quality of rural life that is quickly coming to an end. One young farmer come up and said that in his area, last year there were six small family farming operations. This year there will be only one left on his road. And sadly, that is becoming more frequent, as you talk to other farmes from different areas. The financial crisis in farming today is equal or worse then the thirties were. Something needs to happen. And it has to happen REAL SOON. Or it will be to late for many!
What will happen in the big cities where there is no awareness, if the farmers are not there to feed them anymore. Are they all going to be content with the fact that their food now comes from China and South America? What if the borders are closed for some reason? We need farmers in this country. And all we ask for is a decent living like everybody else. But it seems with the pricing of our products, we depend on others to set the price for us. But when we need parts, then too, the price is set. The problem is, that the margins betwqeen cost and return have overlapped the wrong way for too long. We are no longer able to support this cheap food policy that we have hear in North America. It is time for change. Or life on PEI as we know it today, will be a thing of the past. And that would be a shame. Anyway, let me introduce you to a few people in these pictures.
In this picture, in the white shirt on the left, is Dr. Gary Morgan. He is a vet. from the O'Leary area. With the guitar I believe is Gary Gallant, a dairy farmer from the West Prince area. He sang the song May Day, MayDay for us. It summed up in a few words the serious situation that we find ourselves in today.
The above picture shows you the amount of people that turned out for the event. It was good to see this many show up, eventhough the weather was very poor. It showed the government that we were serious.
This last picture is one for the books. Never before have I been at a meeting where the Federation of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union were standing side by side and coming with a joint resolution to bring to the premier. That actually didn't happen until a little while later, after the meeting was moved inside the House. When the premier was finaly cornered for the third time that day, he started to get the picture that this was serious. Not just a bunch of upset farmers. But mayors, church ministers, equipment dealers, feed company owners. A representative portion of rural PEI. Including farmers.
3 comments:
Marten said it was a great turnout and that it was important to be there (even though his arms are aching from holding the umbrella). It was great to see the pictures Randall. Let's pray that it made a difference.
I don't think anyone out here wants to hear this sort of thing. You are right....on this end we want the lowest prices. The supermarkets set the prices and it trickles down from there.
I predict a crisis...sooner than later!
Today I feel guilty for being a consumer, Tetcy
As do I - has anyone come up with a plan to alleviate the situation? Keep us posted, we want to hear about it.
Love you!
~ Mary
Post a Comment