Earlier this month, I participated in the first World Farmers Organization meeting in South Africa. I sat in awe to realize that in less than a year, farm organizations from around the world had come together under the single objective of providing a strong and unified voice on the world stage. It showcased the essential and vital role farmers' organizations play not only internationally, but at home as well and reminded me of why the CFA was created and the important role it continues to play for farmers and society as a whole.
As Parliament resumes and begins its next session, we need to continue to remind ourselves of lessons learned and draw not only from history, but on current examples around the world as well - that when farmers are not strong, many sectors, government, investors etc are only too prepared to assume that role and speak on the farmers' behalf. We have seen how a lack of an organized and unified farmers' voice can be detrimental to agricultural development and by extension, the growth of society.
The CFA has built a strong reputation with government and industry and for more than 75 years, has worked tirelessly in its efforts to represent and bring forward the collective voice of farmers across Canada. The work lies in building the political profile of food and agriculture. The importance of food and agriculture may not be as obvious now as when it was back in 1935 when CFA was created - in the context of World War II and the Great Depression - where rations and economic turmoil were a part of the daily lives of Canadians. Now, food is bountiful, supermarkets are always full, the connection with the farm is lost and decisions makers are dealing with mainly urban voters. Now more than ever, we need to remind the public and government of the role and benefits that Canadian farmers bring to the table and create a clear connection with agriculture and food in our lives and our standard of living. This is certainly possible, especially within the context of a Federation - your Federation - the CFA. The time is ripe. Food is an issue that Canadians are becoming increasingly passionate about and the government is noticing. We see this reflected in the parties platforms - all called for a National Food Strategy for the first time in history. We just need to encourage as much focus on the farm as the food.
To benefit agriculture's profile and farmers' livelihoods with effective messaging, farmers need their representative organizations. Our strength is that we are a true federation - comprised of general farm organizations in every province driven by the grass roots, as well national commodity groups - both export and supply managed - representing the diversity of this vast country. We need to build on that strength and work collectively in discussions and deliberations with our respective provincial governments, MPs and communities. We need to foster and build on our strong grassroots lobby to help raise the political profile of food and agriculture.
Building a 'movement' approach with our messages, with which the CFA has been successful so many times in the past, takes a coordinated grassroots effort. The development of Canada's balanced trade position; setting the stage for the creation of the commodity groups; designing farm income supports, environmental policies and the ongoing development of a National Food Strategy are just a few examples of what we have and continue to achieve when we work together.
I believe CFA's greatest strength is building relationships with government and industry and joining policy discussions with informed solutions. During this new Parliamentary session, I hope we can continue to build on this strength and together bring that "movement" approach to our policies, programs and ideas - drawing on inspiration from CFA's rich history.
By Ron Bonnett, CFA President
Earlier this month, I participated in the first World Farmers Organization meeting in South Africa. I sat in awe to realize that in less than a year, farm organizations from around the world had come together under the single objective of providing a strong and unified voice on the world stage. It showcased the essential and vital role farmers' organizations play not only internationally, but at home as well and reminded me of why the CFA was created and the important role it continues to play for farmers and society as a whole.
As Parliament resumes and begins its next session, we need to continue to remind ourselves of lessons learned and draw not only from history, but on current examples around the world as well - that when farmers are not strong, many sectors, government, investors etc are only too prepared to assume that role and speak on the farmers' behalf. We have seen how a lack of an organized and unified farmers' voice can be detrimental to agricultural development and by extension, the growth of society.
The CFA has built a strong reputation with government and industry and for more than 75 years, has worked tirelessly in its efforts to represent and bring forward the collective voice of farmers across Canada. The work lies in building the political profile of food and agriculture. The importance of food and agriculture may not be as obvious now as when it was back in 1935 when CFA was created - in the context of World War II and the Great Depression - where rations and economic turmoil were a part of the daily lives of Canadians. Now, food is bountiful, supermarkets are always full, the connection with the farm is lost and decisions makers are dealing with mainly urban voters. Now more than ever, we need to remind the public and government of the role and benefits that Canadian farmers bring to the table and create a clear connection with agriculture and food in our lives and our standard of living. This is certainly possible, especially within the context of a Federation - your Federation - the CFA. The time is ripe. Food is an issue that Canadians are becoming increasingly passionate about and the government is noticing. We see this reflected in the parties platforms - all called for a National Food Strategy for the first time in history. We just need to encourage as much focus on the farm as the food.
To benefit agriculture's profile and farmers' livelihoods with effective messaging, farmers need their representative organizations. Our strength is that we are a true federation - comprised of general farm organizations in every province driven by the grass roots, as well national commodity groups - both export and supply managed - representing the diversity of this vast country. We need to build on that strength and work collectively in discussions and deliberations with our respective provincial governments, MPs and communities. We need to foster and build on our strong grassroots lobby to help raise the political profile of food and agriculture.
Building a 'movement' approach with our messages, with which the CFA has been successful so many times in the past, takes a coordinated grassroots effort. The development of Canada's balanced trade position; setting the stage for the creation of the commodity groups; designing farm income supports, environmental policies and the ongoing development of a National Food Strategy are just a few examples of what we have and continue to achieve when we work together.
I believe CFA's greatest strength is building relationships with government and industry and joining policy discussions with informed solutions. During this new Parliamentary session, I hope we can continue to build on this strength and together bring that "movement" approach to our policies, programs and ideas - drawing on inspiration from CFA's rich history.