Farm leaders moved by show of solidarity

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 2, 2002

(WINDSOR) - Farm leaders are applauding the unity and solidarity of Canadian farmers as tonnes of hay, donated by eastern farmers, move west to aid drought-stricken western livestock producers. The farm leaders are gathered in Windsor, Ontario, for the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

"Here are representatives of every region and commodity in Canada. I can say there is not a single person at the table around me who is not overwhelmed by this spontaneous and selfless act of generosity," said Bob Friesen, CFA President. "Farmers helping farmers get through tough times - this is a shining example for all Canadians."

The western provinces have been hit with yet another year of crippling drought that has decimated livestock feed supplies. Ranchers are being forced to sell key breeding stock which will take years to replace. In the past weeks Ontario farmers have been gathering surplus hay and preparing it for shipment to livestock producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Atlantic farmers are now also looking at donating feed to their western colleagues. Monetary donations are being made across the country to help offset the large transportation costs.

CFA is cautioning Canadians, however, not to expect these donations to solve the crisis facing western producers. In a drought year when pastureland is scarce, one cow can consume five tonnes of feed. An average cattle herd in the heart of the drought zone in Alberta can have 350 animals. In Alberta alone there are nearly three million head of cattle, plus bison, elk and other livestock herds.

"It is harsh to say that these generous donations are a drop in the bucket, but that is the sad truth," said Friesen. "Nevertheless, I encourage farmers to continue in this spirit of cooperation. CFA will continue to work with federal and provincial governments to get our western farmers through this crisis and back to successful, profitable production."

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Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.

Contact:

Kieran Green, CFA Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633, info@cfafca.ca

Bob Friesen, CFA President, (204) 724-0824 (cell)

Brigid Rivoire, CFA Executive Director, (613) 236-3633 / (613) 715-3113 (cell)