The purpose of this Newsflash is to help keep you informed on the issues the Board is dealing with on your behalf. 
 

Please direct any questions or comments to the Ontario Pork Communications department at 1-877-ONT-PORK (668-7675) or by e-mail to comm@ontariopork.on.ca

The following are highlights from the February 10, 2009 Ontario Pork board meeting.

Executive Meeting

The Board discussed the requirements for announcing at the Annual General Meeting who Ontario Pork’s auditors will be for the coming year, and concern was expressed that the Executive Committee removed the ratification of the electoral structure item from the agenda.  It was reported that counties and the Farm Products Marketing Commission have already been informed that there would be a vote on the electoral restructuring.  The Board considered the merits and challenges in holding a ratification vote. A motion was passed that a ratification vote is to be held at the 2009 Ontario Pork Annual General Meeting on the new electoral structure as submitted to the Farm Products Marketing Commission on December 1^st, 2008.
 

Safety Nets Committee

The Ontario Pork Safety Net Committee Chair and Director of Communications and Consumer Marketing provided a brief overview of discussions held at a committee meeting on February 4^th.  The meeting was primarily an opportunity to brainstorm on principles and concepts to be incorporated in a next ask of the provincial government.  A high-level overview of the concepts considered was provided, highlighting that the focus should be on long-term sustainability. 

The Board considered what opportunity there is to communicate safety net messaging to producers, and how to develop a strategy that has given thorough consideration to what elements need to be included, and integrates them into an effective ask.
 

Ontario Pork's Environmental Communications Specialist circulated a Decision Item on the future of the Ontario Farm Environment Coalition (OFEC) as proposed by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). 

The OFA is recommending that the objectives of OFEC can be met through the use of more inclusive Task Teams to address environmental issues.  The OFEC would be disbanded and Task Team recommendations would be considered by the OFA Board. 

Staff reported that Bette Jean Crews, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) was unable to accept the invitation to attend today’s meeting but left a message that it is the OFA’s intention to ensure that everyone will have input into environmental policy be it via task teams or some other means.  An industry-wide meeting is tentatively planned for March 2^nd.

The Board passed a motion to accept the OFA proposal with amendments as presented.
 

The Board had some high-level discussion on initiatives and how to ensure that organizational focus isn’t solely on the Farm Products Marketing Commission decision rather than other items that impact producers. 

Director of Communications and Consumer Marketing and  Strategic Management's Project Coordinator joined the table to discuss next steps on the electoral restructuring project.  They suggested that an ad hoc group comprised of County Presidents and Secretaries be struck to work through the elements and challenges for implementing the new electoral processes for 2010.   

Staff will access OMAFRA resources to assist in drafting new by-laws and policies that will need to be available under a new Regulation 420. 

The Board discussed the timing and agenda for a next meeting of County Presidents and Secretaries.  Agenda items could include county grants, statistics for determining councillor numbers, representation, electoral processes going forward, etc. 

It was agreed that Ontario Pork’s policies and procedures need to be updated to reflect technological advancements that could provide for voting and meetings via internet, teleconference, etc.