CFA Semi-Annual Meeting: Farm leaders gather to establish policy priorities

HALIFAX -- Canadian farm leaders gathered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this past week during the CFA Semi-Annual Meeting to examine the closely integrated issues surrounding agri-food policy and farm profitability.

"Leading up to what is sure to be a busy fall session, CFA members have renewed their focus on farmer priorities. We anticipate many opportunities to bring forward our concerns and recommended solutions, particularly for business risk management, as we advocate for a more robust and sustainable ag industry in Canada," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President.

Representatives from all provinces, as well as national commodity groups and co-operatives participated in the meeting. In looking ahead, the farm leaders aligned their objectives respecting business risk management programs, public-domain agricultural research and statistics, environmental stewardship, and food safety. They also held open and frank discussions on world trade talks, which are expected to feature prominently during the next G20 meeting in November. CETA negotiations were another point of discussion, as was Canada's Agreement on Internal Trade, as CFA members have major concerns with with proposed amendments regarding dispute procedures.

A common thread throughout the meeting was the necessity for a broad-scale National Food Strategy -- a long-term, overarching agri-food vision that would engage stakeholders across the food value chain, from primary producers and food processors to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and finally consumers.

In studying the various pespectives along the value chain, CFA members heard from a panel of speakers, representing Maple Leaf Foods, Whole Foods Market, the Canadian National Millers Association, and Sysco Foods Canada. They also heard from Syngenta Canada President Jay Bradshaw on the role of technological innovation and its potential to help feed a rapidly growing world population.

Climate change was top-of-mind for many participants as farmers are well aware of the challenges ahead in balancing unpredictable weather patterns, sustainable growing practices, production costs, and market requirements. Moving forward, the CFA will initiate a project to improve farmers' understanding of carbon credit markets and related ecological goods and service issues.

Turning to transportation issues, the CFA strongly reiterated its call for a costing review of grain freight regulation. A study release this past June by rail analyst John Edsforth showed that rail companies had overcharged farmers by more than $275 million last year by exceeding the federally-regulated cap on revenue, as established under the Western Grain Transportation Act. Farmers want an update to the CTA costing formula, which haven't been reviewed since 1992.

About the Canadian Federation of Agriculture 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, national and inter-provincial commodity organizations, and cooperatives from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.