Development of National Food Strategy launched at the CFA Annual General Meeting

February 25, 2010 - Farm leaders from across the country endorsed the development of a National Food Strategy (NFS) at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture's 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 22-24, 2010, under the theme “The Future of Food”.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for farmers of all commodities and regions to brainstorm elements of the Strategy and discuss issues and challenges. Panelists discussed lobby and communications tools for an effective National Food Strategy while speakers discussed agriculture policy.

Given the feedback from members, the CFA was mandated to embark on a campaign to motivate the development of a National Food Strategy. The strategy will be led by the CFA and its members in collaboration with other farm organizations, government, consumers, food processors and distributors.

“The belief that farming and food production will always be there has led to disjointed policies and programs. We can’t expect agriculture to exist with no comprehensive plan for the future,” said Laurent Pellerin, CFA President. “A Strategy is required so that we have a vibrant agriculture sector in Canada. Without a long-term vision, it will be difficult to build the future of Canadian agriculture.”

A new Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Energy Loan was also announced at the meeting by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Gerry Ritz. The well-received loan will be available on March 1 to farmers and agribusiness operators to purchase and install on-farm energy sources like biogas, geo-thermal, wind or solar power.

The CFA meeting also featured an address from Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Bloc Québécois, and Hon. Ralph Goodale, House Leader of the Opposition who provided varying viewpoints and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the agri-food sector.

The meeting also kicked off the CFA's 75th Anniversary celebrations with a retrospective address from former CFA President Don Knoerr (1985-1991) and a look ahead from Cindy Schickedanz, 2009 Winner of the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture. The CFA’s Photo Contest and Agricultural Awards were launched as part of the CFA’s 75th anniversary.  Criteria and application forms are available on  CFA’s website. Contests close on Friday September 10, 2010. The awards will be presented at a special Awards Banquet on October 20, 2010.