(OTTAWA) - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) proudly welcomes its newest member. The Ontario-Quebec Grain Farmers' Coalition is adding its voice to those of the 200,000 farmers and farm families of Canada’s largest national farm organization.

“CFA always does the utmost to ensure it represents the interests of all producers from all commodities in all parts of Canada. The more voices we have at our table the better we can accomplish that goal,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President. “The Ontario-Quebec Grain Farmers' Coalition will be a very valuable voice. We particularly look forward to working with them on developing better agricultural safety nets programs.”

The Ontario-Quebec Grain Farmers Coalition is an initiative of Ontario Grains & Oilseeds and Fédération des producteurs de cultures commerciales du Québec (FPCCQ) with a combined membership of 41,000 grains and oilseeds farmers.  “The focus of this coalition is to find a long-term strategy to solve the income crisis that is currently affecting the grains and oilseed industry,” explained FPCCQ Chairman, Christian Overbeek.  Organizers remain open to the possibility of further partnerships within the sector. 

'Farmers have clearly expressed a desire for the organizations who represent them to work more closely together,” explained Leo Guilbeault, Chairman of the Ontario Grains & Oilseeds. “CFA is a critical partner at the national level, and we need all hands on deck to address the current farm income crisis,” Guilbeault added.  “A problem as large as this needs coordinated action at the local, provincial and national levels. Joining CFA strengthens our position nationally, and maximizes our collective resources on behalf of Ontario farmers.'

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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.