The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture, led by president Trish Neilson, deserves top marks for staging an “ag summit” today in Barwick, bringing together a broad cross-section of the district farming community to tackle the myriad of serious issues facing that industry.
Certainly no one expects to solve all the problems with a single one-day session, but at least the RRFA is trying to do something positive rather than simply sit back and bemoan its plight while waiting for someone else to bail them out.
Equally encouraging is the fact today’s session is the first concrete development to emerge from the “community summit” held here in January, where 90 delegates representing various sectors and municipalities met to outline the problems facing our district—and what steps must be taken to solve them.
Back then, the delegates called for the creation of working groups to examine six key areas: tourism, agriculture, education, value-added wood products, import substitution, and immigration.
Also at the time, they all agreed the ultimate success of the “summit” hinged on how well the initial enthusiasm and suggestions were followed up with action.
Except for the RRFA, that follow-up has been slow to date. Just getting more people to volunteer to sit on these various working groups has been a tough sell.
Talking is better than not talking, of course, but there also comes a time when action is needed to back up those brave words. Other groups need to follow the RRFA’s lead and step up to the plate.
Jumping on the bandwagon is fruitless if the wheels already have fallen off.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
