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Agriculture Update Study outlines alternative crops for farmers Cantaloupes and buckwheat could be good sources of income for Ontario farmers searching for alternative crops, according to a study conducted for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. "The study shows that there is potential for expansion in several Fees to be charged on tonne sold The Ontario Canola Growers' Association has been authorized, under Section 13 of the Farm Pro- ducts Marketing Act, to collect fees on each tonne of commodity sold, Jack Riddell, minister of agriculture and food announced today. Effective July 5, 1988, licence fees of $2 per tonne of commodity will be paid to the association by the producers. The association asked for the authority to collect fees and use the revenue to improve the produc- tion and marketing canola in On- tario. In May, the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission distributed more than 400 voter packages to known canola growers. Of the ballots returned, 94 per cent were in favor of designa- tion under Section 13. "We are pleased with this an- nouncement and | hope that the association, with the industry, will now be able to achieve its objec- tives,"' said association Chairman Frank Van Hevel. The Ontario Canola Growers' Association is under the supervi- sion of the Farm Products Marketing Commission and will undergo an in-depth review by the commission in two year's time. Colored bean growers can now charge The Ontario Coloured Bean Growers' Association has been authorized, under Section 13 of the Farm Products Marketing Act, to collect fees on each tonne of com- modity sold, Jack Riddell, minister of agriculture and food announced today. Effective July 5, 1988, licence fees of $5 per tonne of commodity sold will be paid to the association by the producers. The association asked for the authority to collect fees and use the revenue to improve the produc- tion and marketing of coloured beans in Ontario. In May, the On- tario Farm Products Marketing Commission distrubted more than 300 voter packages to known col- oured bean growers. Of the ballots returned, 96 per cent were in favour of designation under Section 13. Association Chairman Alex Keresturi said, 'We are pleased to hear that our request was approv- ed as we will have the means to address the needs and oppor- tunities in the coloured bean in- dustry." The Ontario Coloured Bean Growers' Association is under the supervision of the Farm Products Marketing Commission and will undergo an in-depth review by the commission in two years. In Ontario, there are approx- imately 300 to 400 coloured bean producers with between 15,000 to 20,000 acres in production. areas," said Arthur Loughton, manager of the ministry's Transi- tion Crop Team. The TCT was established in 1986, to work with farmers and farm groups to identify and support new crops with the potential to be produced profitably in Ontario. The latest study, done by Stevenson Kellogg Ernst and Whin- ney, looks at the potential for seven crops: buckwheat, melons, sweet white lupins, pumpkins, squash, birdfeed ingredients and flowers, both field-grown and fresh- cut, as well as bulbs and dried flowers. The report, entitled Windows of Market Opportunity for Selected Ontario-Grown Transition Crops, shows that cantaloupes are becom- ing an increasingly popular item with Ontario consumers. During the summer, Ontarians consume 13 times as many imported melons as domestic. If quality, packaging and pre-cooling to prolong shelf-life are emphasized, an increase of over $15 million a year might be achiev- ed be replacing imports during our production season, the report says. There is a good export market for large-seeded buckwheat. Japan alone imports nearly 200 million pounds a year, Europe another 55 million. A high-quality crop and development of an export-oriented marketing organization for large- seeded varieties could bring On- tario farmers over $2 million a year in additional production. Experimentation with the use of lupins for bread and pasta pro- ducts has created a demand for the product. A big increase in On- tario lupin production could help meet this demand. Another poten- tial opportunity exists for lupins as an alternative to soybeans as livestock feed, particularly in areas where soybeans cannot be grown because of the climate. According to the report, of On- tario producers of squash can com- pete with the quality packaging of- fered by foreign suppliers, they have the opportunity to sell up to another $1 million dollars worth of squash in the fresh market, through import substitution. Small increases in the volume of pumpkins produced could be achieved by increasing supplies to Northern Ontario, the report says. The flower bulb and dried flower market appears to offer more op- portunities than field-grown, fresh- cut flowers. Ontario imports over $10 millions of bulbs each year. Taking over just half that market could put $5 million in the pockets of Ontario farmers. However, two obstacles exist: the image and reputation of Dutch bulbs have to be contended with, and the technology for field producing bulbs in Ontario must be improved. Loughton stressed, "We can on- ly take advantage of those oppor- tunities that do exist if the Ontario- grown produce is competitive in price, quality and distribution." He cautioned that farmers who want to switch crops for more profitability must first determine whether there is a market for that particular product. Ministry officials will now work with farmers and grower organiza- tions to help develop these new market opportunities. A problem solving group Program for 4-H members will be highlight at CNE this year Every year the Canadian Na- tional Exhibition sponsors a pro- gram for 4-H and Junior Farmers. This year's program will be held August 30 and 31 1988. Several activities will take place during the two days. The conference program for 4-H members inthe C.N.E. area who are 16 and 17 years of age begins at the University of Toronto. The first day will feature workshops, group sessions, tours and free time at the Ex. On the second day, the delegates will have the opportunity to participate in either a skillathon or the Open Judging Competition. During the skillathon, the 4-H'ers will work in group decisions and solve problems. The Judging Competition is open to both 4-H and Junior Farmer members from across Ontario. Competitors will judge and give oral reasons on several classes. In addition, competitors will complete an Identification Quiz. 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West St., Stayner 428-3422 county or region in the C.N.E. area is invited to present an educational your local office of the Ontario and entertaining demonstration or Ministry of Agriculture and Food. skit. 4-H is a program for young peo- An Awards Presentation Dinner ple 12 -- 21 years of age. 4-H will highlight the conclusion of the members learn new skills, meet program. At this time, winners of with friends and have fun. They the Individual and Team Judging 'participate in projects such as and the Demonstration Competition foods, outdoor camping, rabbits, will be announced. crops, veterinary livestock and Don't miss out on this fun filled youth leadership. event. For further details, contact CUSTOM ROUND BALING Baler fitted with the new plastic-wrap system. Keep the goodness in your hay and the rain out. We Do Custom Hay Swathing Stuart W. Thomas (705) 322-3218 FARMERS: CALL NOW If your tractor needs tires -- this is the time to. change them. = McKee Tire Service On Hwy. 24 1% miles south of Collingwood WE'RE THE PROS! We Guarantee the Best Prices in the area -- and we have the tires for immediate 'installation @ Collingwood Save time! Call us for fast on-the-farm @ McKee Tire Service replacement on all types Jo snes of machinery! T. 445-2711 | Toll Free Number burr ------ 1-800-461-9194 wey Mon.-Fri. 7-6 Sat. 7-3 wy. 24 Page 12, Wednesday, August 31, 1988