(OTTAWA) - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) proudly welcomes its newest member. The Western Farm Leadership Cooperative (FLC) is adding its voice to those of the 200,000 farmers and farm families of Canada’s largest national farm organization.

“The Western Farm Leadership Co-operative is a producer-led organization that exists to provide educational and training opportunities and support producer innovation and leadership in prairie communities,“ said Bob Friesen, CFA President. “The FLC will compliment the voices of CFA western general farm organizations and help CFA achieve its goal of empowering farmers across Canada.”

The FLC has a mandate to provide education and training opportunities for prairie producers to help boost their competitive ability. The Farm Leadership Cooperative grew out of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool as a continuation of the Pool’s commitment to empowering farmers through co-operative effort. The FLC provides feedback and information to help the Pool tailor programs and products that meet the unique needs of Prairie farmers.

“We believe CFA plays an important national role in developing and advancing farm policy,” said Wayne Truman, FLC Chair.  “Being a CFA member is an important step in communicating with producers and organizations about regional and national issues to compliment our professional development agenda.  FLC fully supports the work of CFA as a national voice for agriculture.” 

-30-

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.