PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

HELLO

I hope all of you have had a successful winter and that you're looking forward to spring as much as I am. Our apple cider vinegar is aging nicely now, and as requested, we'll share that recipe in the fall newsletter. We can share some "mother" as well, for those who need it.

At the EFAO we've had a busy winter, with a number of excellent courses, workshops and conferences. The Board of Directors has also been busy planning summer tours which are listed in this newsletter. As well, we have been expressing our views on a number of issues to various government and regulatory bodies. This prompted a discussion at our February board meeting on how much lobbying the EFAO should be doing. After much thoughtful consideration, we agreed that our main role is education and support for our members; however, that where issues directly impinge on our members or organic agriculture we should make our concerns and views known. Over the past six months we have expressed concerns about BST, the need for real pesticide reduction, problems with over-regulation of direct farmer to consumer marketing and tritium releases from nuclear power stations. In many instances, these were concerns raised by a member,and in turn supported by the Board. We appreciate the dedicated effort of members like Ziggy Kleinau and Ken Laing, and directors Ted Zettel and Hubert Earl.

Let me end with a farm question that someone may be able to help me with. I've been trying to introduce a new horse into the winter pasture with my four Belgian mares. So far, I've received two kicks from my usually placid work horses, and I've given up on this idea for the time being. Does anyone have suggestions about how to get livestock to get along in a pasture? I've been running the cattle and calves with the heavy horses, but I'd like to add in several light horses, and possibly the sheep and goats. But I'd also like it to be a situation where everybody is grazing quietly, rather than chasing and kicking and biting each other. Any ideas?

Have a great spring, and we'll look forward to seeing you at some farm tours.

Tony McQuail

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