Rural

Canadian agriculture dominates the rural landscape in many diverse forms. The agricultural community, along with other rural citizens, has social and economic concerns that must be addressed in government policy and programs. In principle, CFA supports the work of the federal Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, and maintains that this office must continue to examine federal policy and legislation that impacts rural Canada.

The CFA looks to the federal government to develop and enhance policies with the goal of creating an environment which promotes the long-term viability and sustainability of agriculture, agri-business and the rural community, and ensures equity between rural and urban areas. Issues that need to be addressed include: rural infrastructure, farm safety, taxation, farm transitions, insurance, labour, etc.

Sustainable Farm Incomes

The most effective way to maintain a viable, sustainable rural Canada is to maintain strong, sustainable rural incomes. Farm incomes have been falling steadily for 30 years and this has had a direct affect on the viability of rural communities. The CFA defines seven Common Principles as essential for the long term improvement of farm incomes into the future:

• Producers have the ability to achieve sustainable income
• Producers work together to achieve common goals
• Producer empowerment in marketplace
• Better sharing of benefits along the Value-Chain
• Shared responsibility and accountability
• Full producer participation in policy development
• Recognition of primary production as a significant contributor to Canadian society and economy

Governments can directly aid producers in achieving these goals through full support for farm organizations and marketing entities, the development of tools for more equitable sharing of benefits in the production chain, full consultation in policy development and promotion of Canadian agriculture to Canadians and consumers abroad.