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Ontario Apple
Growers Newsletter - March 17, 2005
IN THIS
ISSUE
Reduction in Grower Premiums for Hail Rider
| Apple Tree Census and GSP Mapping | Variety
Labeling Resolution Approved at CHC
Replant Program to Move Forward | Strategic
Planning - Preview
Reduction
in Grower Premium for Hail Rider to Benefit Apple Producers
I am very pleased to announce that the OAG has been
successful in convincing AgriCorp to move the hail rider from
the high risk category to comprehensive for the 2005 crop
year. You will recall that the hail rider premium had been
moved to high risk and therefore producers would be required
to pay two-thirds of the premium. As a result of the announcement
by AgriCorp, the premium for 2005 will now be cost shared
at the comprehensive rate - 60% government and 40% producer.
A copy of the revised premium rates is attached. AgriCorp
will begin underwriting in the very near future. >>BACK TO TOP
As a result of the OAG's efforts, this
one change will result in savings to producers who carry crop
insurance of about $600,000. Stated otherwise, this amount
is double the total value of the acreage fees paid by OAG
members. Not a bad return on investment.
This change is for the 2005 crop year only
at this time. Efforts are ongoing to make further amendments
in the apple plan which will encourage wider grower participation.
Suggested amendments include keeping the hail rider at the
comprehensive rate and a more appropriate level of hail damage
before a crop may be written off.
The Board hereby acknowledges the support
and cooperation of AgriCorp and both the federal and provincial
levels of government, for this positive response.
Apple Census and
GPS Mapping of Ontario Apple Orchards
The OAG has agreed to cooperate with OMAF in conducting
the 2005 apple census. The old census is now long out of date
and the OAG feels that an accurate inventory of apples trees
by acreage, density and variety is very important to the industry's
efforts to improve the marketing and promotion of Ontario
apples.
To improve the census information, the OAG
is investigating a project to GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
every apple orchard in Ontario by variety. If the board proceeds,
each grower will receive a personalized map of their orchard(s)
colour coded by variety.
This is seen as a very important step moving
the Ontario apple industry forward. We will look forward to
everyone's cooperation in this important effort. >>BACK TO TOP
Variety Labeling
Resolution Approved at CHC
The OAG in cooperation with the Apple Marketers of
Ontario presented a resolution at the recent CHC annual meeting
which, if accepted by CFIA, would provide a definition for
Golden Delicious apples that would include Golden Delicious
and strains of Golden Delicious. The resolution reads, in
part, as follows:
"THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CHC requests
that CFIA amend their inspection procedures manual to include
in its definition of Golden Delicious all strains of golden
apples that have the same characteristics of a Golden Delicious."
We look forward to a positive response in time for the 2005
crop.>>BACK TO TOP
Replant Program to
Move Forward
The Apple Working Group met during the CHC annual
convention and unanimously endorsed moving forward with a
proposal for a National Replant Program. This would cover
all tree fruit and tree fruit producing areas across Canada.
The AWG action plan calls for a final report to be completed
by May 30 th and lobbying efforts with the Federal Minister
and all M.P.'s starting in June.
The results of the B.C. program have been
very impressive with over 50% of their orchards changed over
to new varieties and tree fruit crops to better position their
industry in the market place. Returns to producers have increased
in B.C. by over $11 million annually as a result of these
changes. It is now time for the rest of Canada to catch up.
Final details will follow. >>BACK TO TOP
Strategic Planning
- Preview
The OAG in concert with the District Apple Grower
Committee met on March 13 and 14, 2005 to develop a strategic
plan to provide direction for the future. The plan is now
being finalized and will be distributed to all OAG members
in the near future. Just as a preview, the following Vision
and Mission Statement is provided:
VISION "An Ontario
Apple a Day - For Better Health"
MISSION "To represent
the interests of commercial Ontario apple growers to foster
a proactive economically viable
apple industry through advocacy with government and in collaboration
with all levels of the supply chain"
This was a very important and useful exercise
and I extend the appreciation of the OAG directors for the
valuable input provided by all the participants and to Denise
Edwards for facilitating this exercise. >>BACK TO TOP
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