Canadian Federation of Agriculture unable to endorse Cairns Group Farm Leaders' Communiqué

SASKATOON, September 8, 2011: Following a day of intensive discussions, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) was disappointed it was unable to sign on to the Cairn Farm Leaders' final communiqué in light of conflicts in policy positions.

"CFA was pleased to co-host the 17th Cairns Group Farm Leaders' meeting and the opportunity it presented to share ideas and discuss issues of common interest and concern with our Cairns member colleagues," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President.

"We believe a successful conclusion of the Doha can only be achieved when members' offensive and defensive interests are successfully addressed. Unfortunately we felt the final communiqué did not adequately take this balanced outcome into account.

"While the CFA supports fair and effective trade rules, our position and that of the Canadian government recognize there needs to be a balance between domestic and export oriented sectors," added Bonnett.

CFA supported many of the ideas expressed including the need for a multilateral effort to ensure positive outcomes for farmers. As recognized by the G20 Leaders in its Action Plan on Food, Price Volatility and Agriculture, and reiterated on a number of occasions by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz, CFA supports the need to bring the Doha Development Round to a successful, ambitious, comprehensive and balanced conclusion, consistent with its mandate.

In addition to trade discussions, the farm leaders will meet again Thursday with a focus on food security. CFA believes that a number of items including trade need to be addressed if food security issues are to be resolved.

The CFA is Canada's largest national general farm organization and represents general farm organizations in each province as well as national commodity groups. Through its members, it represents some 200,000 farm families in every sector and region of Canada.