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-Features- THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK Friday January 18 1991 Page 11 No farmers No food No future By LISA The Herald An active farm organization leader and member has a message to deliver but he isnt using Canada Post hes boldly presenting his message on a sign placed prominently on bis front lawn It reads Just think no farmer no food no future in big black letters which are read by nun of motorists travelling on Winston Churchill Boulevard where Harry Brander has farm ed for several years People say there is a reces sion now but farmers have been in a recession for years said Mr Brander and the last two years have been particularly bad for the agricultural industry Through the sign Im trying to get people thinking about farmers and what would happen if there were no farmers Where would our food come from if there were no farmers said Mr Wed have to rely on other countries which would be costly Hes concerned how un competitive subsidies the United States effect on our farm industry and the vicious circle of hard times are taking their toll on farmers Mr Brander admitted hes worried about the success of his own 200 acre beef operation and If hell still be farming in years The most important thing we need is a fair price for our pro duct said Mr Brander He says government subsidies dont meet the farmers cost of production At a time when subsidies incite negative public opinion this statement could earn Mr Brander more animosity than sympathy for his message but he says the public is misinformed about agricultural subsidies Subsidies are a lot lower than the media says they are and are much lower than subsidies the States and European Common Market give their farmers he said The European Community EC and the States subsidize their farmers by huge rates and our treasury cant compete The GATT talks were supposed to decrease these subsidy payments but that didnt happen Receiving a higher price for their market produce makes the EC and USA strong agricultural forces which means bad news for Canadian producers The USA is tunes bigger than us so if they send only one per cent of their products over here it at fects us by per cent On the other we send 10 per cent of our products over there theyll only be affected by one per cent said Mr Because of the huge effect the States has on product prices Mr Brander says farmers cant get market value for their wares and rely on farm subsidies to survive Stiff competition and the high interest rate on borrowed money are other factors that make it ex tremely difficult for farmers to survive and want to stay in the in dustry he said Earnings for farmers have gone down 22 per cent or by seven billion dollars just Ontario alone said Mr reciting statistics from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture The net cash income for Ontario farmers had dropped 10 per cent in 1989 and the OFA is predicting an eight per cent drop in income for Mr Brander says his own return on investment is only one per cent If other businesses had that theyd be gone Other issues such as property taxes the chain of economic hardships when one business closure affects another add to the strain on local farmers Farmers are price takers not price setters he said and when there are fewer buyers for agricultural commodities farmers can only sell their pro duct at whatever price theyre of Mr Branders grasp of world market issues and the problems facing the agriculture industry come not only from his farming Harry of Norval has a message but he just didnt want to say it he wanted to announce It with this bold sign placed on the front lawn of his beef farm He wants to get people wondering what will happen If farmers continue leave the unprofitable Ontario agriculture Industry Herald photo expenence but through involve ment in local farm organizations He is the current president of the Halton Soil and Crop Association past president and member of the Halton Cattlemens Association board member of the Halton Agricultural Advisory Commit tee and committee member of the Halton Region Conservation Authority Rural Beaches Pro gram Probably the most intense organization he belongs to is the Halton Federation of Agriculture which makes up part of the On tano Federation of Agriculture of which he is a director This organization is basically design to lobby government on behalf of farmers and Mr is hoping good things will come from the new NDP government for the agricultural sector Its an opportune time for us since the have very few preconceived ideas and are quite willing to learn about us and listen to what we have to say He hopes the government may help prevent the numbers of farmers failing or leaving the in Mr Brander also hopes the Just Think sign on his lawn will help as well So far hes had positive response from local residents concerning the message Local fanners think its a positive move and think its good that somebody is doing something to make urban people more aware of farming Also it is an important message he says because food really is the basis of survival Cancer Society to benefit from vaudeville show Local musician Edgar That cher decided the best way he could help the Halton Hills Cancer Society to better educate the public about the societys work and raise money for the society was through his craft the performing arts Mr Thatchers production company Edgar Productions in conjunction with the Hills Cancer Society will be hosting The Spectacular New Age Vaudeville Show for 1991 Feb 15 and 16 at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown Those attending either of the two shows which get underway at 8 m Friday and Saturday will be treated to a series of local and Regional acts of national ac claim said Mr Thatcher Mr Thatcher made a commit ment to the Hills Cancer Society after cancer took his mothers life last August Vera Thatcher drove a school bus in the community for years He along with his partner Vic tor Hanson will be headlining both nights as the Men Without Hairs act Mr Thatcher describes the act as high tech vaudeville It involves traditional vaudeville type entertainment singing dancing and physical humor with high tech in struments such as synthesizers and wireless instruments People will also be able to make a donation in memory of so meone as a patrdn of the show in support of the Cancer Society and the local arts scene he said The in memory notation will appear on the shows official program Arrangements can be made through the society by calling Monday to Friday from to Also included as part of the show will be a door prize each night of a painting donated by local artist Linda and a photographic show in the art gallery beside the theatre Were trying to bring a full perspective of the arts to the community said Mr Thatcher Fridays show includes nationallyacclaimed performer Jeff Bradley who will treat audience members to some of his in juggling techniques Also that night former Georgetown resident and singer songwriter Kevin Head will perform At one time Mr Head opened for internationally known recording artist Chris DeBurgh Former local residents and musicians BUI and Janine Kent will perform as will well known singer and Globe Theatre member Debbie Saturdays show also includes musical comedian Roger James singer songwriter James Camp bell and the famous puppet troupe The Purple Dragon The shows musical director is Paul Thompson whom Mr That cher describes as a local musical legend All of the artists are perform ing without pay said Mr That cher After each show a reception will be held giving audience members a chance to meet the performers Tickets cost per person and for seniors They can be obtained through the Cancer Society Mr Thatcher acknowledged the tough economic times make it difficult for people to support chanty groups but in his words Cancer knows no recession the troubles of the February wind or the penis of new taxes The new pop vaudevillian act Men Without Hairs will be headlining a two night benefit for the Cancer Society Feb and 16 at the John Elliott Theatre Local musician Edgar Thatcher right and his partner Victor Hanson comprise the act For information call the cancer society at Photo submitted WITH THIS COUPON SAVE GOe OFF THE PURCHASE OF ONE BAG OF Mi target food stores 51 St GEORGETOWN NEILSONS 2 MILK with Coupon without Coupon Valid Only At Target Georgetown Valid thru to Jan