(OTTAWA, ON) –The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) acknowledged the government’s effort to assist struggling farmers, but underlined the need to ensure agriculture is not viewed simply as a social program.

“We are pleased the federal government recognizes the extreme financial hardship immediately facing farmers, and appreciate the desire to provide a program that puts dollars quickly into the hands of those who need it most,” said CFA President Bob Friesen.  “But we remain concerned this approach could give Canadians the impression the root of the farm income crisis is poor management and a lack of skill at the farm gate.  Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Studies continue to highlight the fact that Canadian farmers are among the most productive and efficient in the world.  Low farm incomes are a direct result of low commodity prices caused by trade distorting income subsidies, trade disputes, high input costs and successive years of natural disasters.

Earlier this year the CFA and its members measured the deficiency in realized net income at $6.1 billion and looked to the federal government in collaboration with the provinces for a strong show of leadership  in addressing this deficiency and transition the industry towards long-term change.  Industry proposed definite ideas and solutions as part of a comprehensive strategy which would recognize the unique regional needs and support primary producers towards long-term change, such as the reinstatement of companion programs.  These approaches and suggestions continue to put forward by the agri-food industry.

At its semi-annual meeting, CFA and its members, along with upstream and downstream industry, continued to work on fleshing out the elements of a Canadian Farm Bill – a long-term strategy designed by the stakeholders to move the industry beyond crisis management.

“The Canadian agri-food industry needs a comprehensive and long-term approach developed in direct collaboration with  government and industry,” said Friesen.  “This is an industry worthy of investment.”

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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.