Farmers, provinces need information, not rumours

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2002

(OTTAWA) - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is strongly urging the federal government to meet with provinces and agriculture industry leaders to give the straight facts on what is happening on farm assistance.

"Neither we nor the provinces have numbers or a timeline. We have signed on to nothing," stated CFA President Bob Friesen emphatically. "This current climate of rumours and half-facts is damaging relations and undermining farmer confidence. We need to sit down in a room with both levels of government and work out what is really going on."

Recent media reports have offered differing estimates on a proposed package of aid to farmers. There are conflicting reports on whether the money will be federal or split between federal and provincial governments. Some articles inaccurately reported farm leaders have already given their assent to an aid package.

"This is absolutely incorrect. CFA has yet to hear any details from the government, let alone give our backing to any planned package," said Friesen. "Our message remains the same: farmers need real money in their hands right now. This means dealing with the $1.3 billion in trade injury, and dealing with the lasting effects of weather-related disasters, critically low commodity prices and the other obstacles Canadian farmers currently face."

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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)