(OTTAWA) – With one month to go before Parliament resumes sitting the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is presenting some priorities it wants to see the government address this fall while it continues working towards more competitive agriculture policy: flexible funding for provincial programs, and a federal plan to strengthen the requirements for “Product of Canada” food labeling and to promote Canadian-grown food.

“Right now I would expect the Prime Minister and his Ministers are thinking about the next session of Parliament and what the priorities of their government will be. Farmers have their priorities and want them included on the government’s fall agenda,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President.

One priority for the Government of Canada should be restoring truth to Product of Canada food labeling and promoting Canadian-grown food to Canadian consumers. CFA is looking for three initiatives from the government this fall under this priority:
 Regulate a clear definition for Made in Canada, Product of Canada, and Grown in Canada labels, one that requires 100% Canadian grown agriculture products.
Immediately implement a program promoting Buy Canadian, Buy Local across the country to support Canadian-produced foods.
In partnership with farm organizations, processors and food retailers, establish a program to help farmers acquire and apply the skills and resources necessary to effectively brand and market locally-grown foods.

“With the issues we have seen over the past year regarding foods from abroad, Canadian consumers more than ever want to buy fresh and buy local,” said Friesen. “It must be a priority of this government to inform Canadians about the benefits of local, Canadian grown food, and to make sure consumers are able to make that clear choice in their grocery stores.”

A second agriculture priority for the government must be the establishment of regional funding flexibility to support provincial programs.  This means developing a new set of funds to support cost-shared programs that would allow regional flexibility and equitable distribution of funds regionally while not putting Canada at risk for international trade challenges. This will support provincial farm income, environmental, food safety and other programs in meeting the national goal of a profitable and sustainable agriculture industry.

“Farmers need strong national programs, but we also need to be able to tailor some specific programs to fit the unique needs of different provinces while still meeting broad national goals,” said Friesen. “Regional-specific programs can provide efficient and practical solutions adjusted to the unique needs of the farmers in each province.”

This fall CFA will also continue working with the government to advance the development of the next generation of agriculture policy. CFA is also beginning discussions with the federal government with the goal of seeing a Co-operative Investment Plan introduced in the 2008 federal budget.

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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.