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NEWS BITES THAT MATTER
Woodlot advisory service
Promoting efficient and sustainable management of forests is the goal of a new service offered in Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry, Prescott-Russell, Leeds-Grenville and Ottawa regions. Farmers with at least five acres of woodlot in these regions are eligible for a visit from a Woodlot Advisory Service Technician to help sustainably manage and determine the woodlot’s economic potential.
Technicians will visit farm woodlots and provide a preliminary evaluation of the site, suggest management options and introduce the owner to available programs which allow the farmer to meet their own objectives for the property. Technicians also have contacts for local woodlot owner associations and forestry consultants who can assist in achieving objectives, even revenue-generation.
The service has been funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the United Counties of Prescott-Russell along with 11 additional partners for a two-year period.
According to the service, there is opportunity to save up to 75 percent on property taxes.
For more information, contact Rose-Marie Chrétien at 1-877-984-2948 ext. 285 or rchretien@nation.on.ca. •
Food Freedom Day
Canadians have officially earned enough since the January 1, 2011 to pay the entire year’s grocery bill, says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). Food Freedom Day was celebrated by farmers across the country on February 12, 2011.
According to the CFA, the date of Food Freedom Day is calculated by comparing Canadians’ disposable income and the amount they spent on food during the previous year. In 2010, the average Canadian spent approximately 11.9 percent of personal disposable income on food.
CFA highlighted this day throughout the nation as it helps demonstrate the value Canadian farmers deliver to all Canadians.
“We encourage Canadians to choose Canadian food as often as possible, as these purchases represent far more than just food. They strengthen our vibrant, home-grown agriculture sector and benefit the country as a whole,” said CFA President Ron Bonnett in a release.
Although food prices have steadily increasing over the past 30 years, the amount seen at the farm gate is still relatively small. •
