Ontario Federation of Agriculture President Don McCabe says some people are reading things into a quote he made that aren't there.
The OFA has been criticized by some - including Grain Farmers of Ontario - for providing a quote for the recent release announcing the government's neonic-treated seed regulations.
The argument is that the quote implies support for those new rules.
McCabe says there's nothing in that quote suggesting support - and the federation continues to believe the regulations are not needed.
However, he says now that the government has announced the regulations, it's important the OFA stay involved in the discussions to push for changes and more work on an overall pollinator health strategy.
McCabe says pollinator health is an issue that cuts across a number of farm sectors, which is why he says the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is involved.
He maintains the OFA is not out to replace or speak over any commodity organisation on commodity-specific issues.
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McCabe says his organisation doesn't feel the regulations are necessary.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MCCABE-Neonics-1.mp3"][/audio]
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McCabe argues working with the government doesn't mean always agreeing with what's being proposed.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MCCABE-Neonics-2.mp3"][/audio]
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The OFA stand has drawn criticism from Grain Farmers of Ontario, whose officials argue the government should be dealing with it and not a general farm organisation on those regulations .
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MCCABE-Neonics-3.mp3"][/audio]
