Yes, Murray and Carrie, with Homestead Organics have come a long way in the last 10 years. This day is a tribute to their foresight, their courage, and their determination. The crowd here today is proof that you have made a difference and you are well recognized for that. Isabelle and I thank you for offering us this opportunity to join you. We are proud to be a team with you and to help move this business and the organics to the next important step.
Today is a celebration of the opening of Homestead Organics’ grain elevator and feed mill, the only of its kind dedicated to organic grains in eastern Ontario. But just as important, today is a testimonial to the progress of organic agriculture in general and particularly in eastern Ontario. Among all the friends, consumers and farmers I talk to now, no-one asks any more: What is organic? From a small group of pioneers several years ago, organic agriculture is now entering mainstream society because people, many of them here today, believed in its merit and proved its potential. To you, I say: "congratulations and Happy Anniversary!"
I have been operating an information booth at some community fairs this summer to attract new growers. On one occasion, a very knowledgeable gentleman approached the booth and said: "So, you’re one of THEM!" I will spare you the ensuing discussion. But I can say that we need not participate in finger pointing and arguing about what is the best type of agriculture. The point is that there are great and increasing numbers of consumers who request organic food for various reasons: nutrition and taste, their health, or the environment. Whatever the reason…. THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT! If they want organic food, let’s give them organic food. Of course, it must be viable and one is entitled to enjoy the satisfaction of being philosophically aligned with one’s profession.
In September 1995, Agri-food Canada determined that organic food comprised between one and three per cent of the Canadian retail food market. Industry experts estimate that by the year 2000, the organic market share of consumer retail food purchases will increase to about 10%. The organic industry has grown by 20% in each of the past 6 years. To support the growing organic market, Homestead Organics actively seeks new growers for the 1998 season. This real market is in need of real support from the public institutions that support all the agri-food markets we know toady. As a minimum, organic agriculture should be a key element in any "Green Plan", environmental protection plan, or conservation program.
Last April when we got the keys, this building was an empty shell, with 6 inches of water in the basement and a rusted out electrical system. This summer, there were over 10 people working here on the busiest days; as you will see, the results are quite impressive. Luckily, there have been no accidents, except for Isabelle’s five stitches last week. So when the work was done on Friday, it was a pretty messy construction site. And a day and a half later, it’s all cleaned up, but don’t looking in the basement! Please enjoy a tour of the facility and I hope to say hello to each of you this afternoon.
It is now a pleasure for me to introduce a distinguished guest, our MPP and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He has been intimately and successfully involved in agriculture for many years. He is now in the pilot’s seat while some major changes (structural, financial, regulatory) are happening in agriculture in Ontario. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Honorable Noble Villeneuve.
As you will see while visiting this facility, it required some significant investments besides our own resources. The Government of Canada has two programs that were instrumental in getting this project started. With the assistance of the Bank of Montreal, we qualified for a mortgage guarantee under the Small Business Loans Act that is dedicated to launching new companies with a sound business plan and potential to create jobs. Secondly, The CanAdapt program of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada awarded Homestead a grant to perform the electrical upgrade of this building and a letter of credit to help us obtain our Grain Dealer’s license. CanAdapt funds are available for projects designed to foster long term growth, financial self-sufficiency, employment and competitiveness for Ontario's agriculture, food and rural communities. The CanAdapt program receives its four-year, $28 million funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development (CARD) Fund.
I am happy to introduce our next guest representing the Government of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Dear friends, please welcome our Member of Parliament, Mr Bob Kilger.
This building has been an important Berwick asset since it was built by Mickey MacIntosh almost 50 years ago. Unfortunately, it had been closed for the last two years. I hope that we can restore its glamour and reputation and be of equal service to the community. When we purchased it this spring, we received a warm welcome from several community members and, in particular, strong support from the township administration. Please welcome the Reeve of Finch township, Mr Floyd Dingwall.
Back to the company history...