Canadian farmers need details

OTTAWA - The federal budget announced yesterday focused on balancing the books, raising questions on what the ultimate impact of this budget will be on Canadian farmers. 

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture believes agriculture can play a key role in addressing environmental and economic issues facing Canadians and it encourages the government to keep this in mind as fiscal plans unfold.
 

 "Farmers understand the need to operate with balanced budgets; however, we are concerned how departmental cuts will affect services that could impact the sector and its growth and to what degree AAFC or departments linked to agriculture will be targeted. Few details were given with respect to where or when the cuts will occur. Any changes to funding need to be strategic and not negatively affect the farmers' business, as livelihoods are at stake as well as the success of an industry that is a key driver of our country's economy" said Ron Bonnett, CFA President. 

"More than ever," he continued, "we need to have a long-term plan of where we are going to guide strategic spending and to enhance agriculture's economic opportunity."
 

Canadians have been calling on the government for a national strategy for food. The CFA was pleased to see the Conservatives commit to developing a 'National Farm and Food Strategy' in their election platform, but would have liked to see it introduced as a priority item for the government in the Speech from the Throne and the federal budget. The CFA urges the government to work with industry on a National Food Strategy. 
 

Concerning other long-term investments, the CFA was encouraged to see investments in agricultural research were retained in the budget , allotting $50 million to an Agriculture Innovation Initiative.
 

The CFA is also pleased to see the government will be expanding international markets for farmers; has promised to continue to work closely with industry in the development of Growing Forward II, the next suite of agricultural policy and programs to begin April 2013; committed funds to improve detection of food borne illnesses, and has restated its commitment to supply management - a proven and effective producer-designed marketing tool.
 

The government is allotting $58 million to projects to improve understanding of climate change impacts. As agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by climate change, the CFA recommends much of this money be invested into exploring the impacts on the sector and production patterns.
 

The CFA, however, is concerned with the government's plan to introduce legislation this autumn that will end the Canadian Wheat Board's (CWB) marketing power on wheat and barley in 2012. The CFA insists the government respect the CWB Act and hold a clear producer plebiscite before any legislation is introduced, leaving the choice to the farmers themselves. The CFA also requests the government share its business plan on how a dual marketing structure could work, outlining the full range of impacts, including impacts to research.
 

The CFA and its members remain committed to working with the government in true partnership to define the needs and opportunities of the agricultural sector.
 

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