This is the first in a series of five commentaries by Canadian farm leaders on agriculture issues in this federal election.

Agriculture - a vital election issue

By Bob Friesen, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The 2004 federal election is now underway. In every corner of the country political candidates are trying to address the issues they think are important to Canadians. But are they addressing all the issues that are important for Canada?

In this election, as the candidates attend barbeques and fundraising dinners, Canadian farmers want politicians to think about food and the people who produce it. Every year Canada's roughly 250,000 farms each produce enough food, on average, to feed 120 people each - that's enough food for 30 million people. Agriculture is one of Canada's most important industries. Agri-food contributes almost nine per cent of our gross domestic product annually. In 2003 Canada's agri-food exports were worth $24 billion. The industry employs nearly two million Canadians. In 2003 Canadian agricultural producers paid almost $2 billion in salaries to Canadian workers.

Agricultural producers also make a vital economic contribution to their communities. Agricultural operations pump a great deal of money into local economies. In 2003 producers spent: $1.9 billion on fuel, over $2 billion on fertilizer, over $570 million on veterinary services and drugs, over $800 million on electricity and telecommunications, and over $300 million on rental and leasing of machinery, equipment and vehicles. Farmers are the foundation of the Canadian rural economy.

Beyond their economic contribution, Canadian farmers are also innovating, adding value for Canadians through their operations. Farmers are investing in voluntary environmental practices to reduce pesticide use, protect species at risk, and combat climate change. They are investing in voluntary on-farm food safety programs, helping ensure Canadians enjoy some of the highest quality, safest food in the world.

Canadian farmers today are facing some major challenges. In recent years the industry has faced a series of income disasters caused by factors beyond their control: BSE, avian influenza, droughts, and unfair foreign trade practices. Farmers need to hear their political leaders talking about these issues and making a public commitment to supporting agriculture.

Given the contribution farmers make to this country, agriculture is not an issue political candidates can afford to ignore.

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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.