Don't make cuts to research and innovation, say Canadian farmers

OTTAWA -The Canadian Federation of Agriculture would like to see the government fully capitalize on the potential of the agricultural sector as a key driver for our country's economic growth in its federal budget to be released tomorrow. Recent budget spending estimates have alarmed the farm community by showing not only predictions of reduced business risk management payments, which could be a result of rising commodity prices or design flaws in existing programming, but they also show reductions in research, innovation, market development and environmental investments.  

"Given the global environmental and economic challenges and increased market volatility," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President, "now is not the time to make cuts in areas needed to stimulated growth and ensure a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector."

CFA members, representing over 200,000 farmers from every province and commodity sector in Canada, agree the federal budget must address key items, including: ensuring business risk management programs are bankable and predictable; adoption of a Cooperative Investment Plan, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars in communities across the country; and restoring funding level for agricultural research to at least the mid-1990 levels as an essential component to a globally-competitive agricultural sector.

 
"Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's budget is projected to fall by 14 percent, mostly a result of money freed-up from expiring programs. These savings should be re-invested into proactive programming , like research and innovation.  In addition, adequate and timely funding for BRM and non-BRM programs needs to be intact to ensure farmers are equipped to respond to volatile markets, demands and unpredictable weather," said the CFA President.

Bonnett continued, "Give the sector the competitive advantage it needs to support economies across the country and propel Canada into being a stronger leader when responding to the global food crisis, an area of opportunity and market creation."
 

Interview opportunities

Please note that the CFA President, Ron Bonnett, will be available for comment directly following the announcement  of the federal budget on March 22.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

Jessica Goodfellow

CFA Director of Communications

Tel: 613-236-3633 ext 2322

Cell: 613-898-5868

Email: communications@cfafca.ca