Trade Policy Statement

Introduction

Canadian agriculture is an essential part of the economic, political and social fabric of Canada. It is the backbone of many rural communities and contributes significantly to the well-being of Canadians in both rural and urban Canada. The future of these communities is tightly intertwined with the future of the Canadian agricultural sector.

Canadian agriculture is a major generator of jobs in both rural and urban Canada through employment on farms, in the production of agricultural inputs, in the processing of farm products and in the service sector.

Primary agriculture is not just another industrial sector. Unlike other primary industries, agricultural production is not carried out by large corporations. It is done by a large number of individuals farms. Canadian agriculture occupies a significant portion of Canada's land resource and must carry the responsibilities of the stewardship of this resource.

The continued health and development of a successful and diverse agricultural sector requires that federal policies recognize, on the one hand, the global environment in which the industry operates, and on the other, the domestic requirements for a healthy and vigorous industry. Canadian Federation of Agriculture believes that Canada's agricultural trade policies must reflect the requirements arising from the unique characteristics of this sector.

1 'orderly marketing' includes supply management, the Canadian Wheat Board, and other provincial marketing structures.