Canadian farm leaders, gathered in Ottawa for the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), today concluded a week of lively and intense debate and discussion on the many issues and challenges facing Canada’s agriculture industry. Following on this year’s theme – “Empowerment and partnership: foundation for success” – delegates affirmed the need for all producers and farm organizations to work together to gain more strength and profitability in the marketplace – both at home and globally.
Delegates had an opportunity to question Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell on his government’s support for agriculture, particularly with regards to this week’s federal budget. They were pleased to hear the Minister reaffirm the pledge made in the budget to eliminating the deposit requirement from the CAIS Program. The farm leaders also had an opportunity to provide input to Wayne Easter, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Agri-Food, who is currently charged with finding solutions to the problems of chronic low farm income.
Other presentations gave delegates a chance to hear about and discuss other perspectives on the issues facing the industry. Jack Wilkinson, President of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) talked about the need to empower farmers, both in Canada and around the globe. A panel session provided a forum for a lively discussion on why agriculture issues have failed to resonate with the average consumer and mainstream media.
Reflecting CFA’s grassroots approach to policy development, CFA member organizations brought forward resolutions covering policy issues including trade, safety nets, food safety and animal health. These resolutions will give CFA direction for its lobby efforts in the year to come. Resolutions passed included: CFA will call for the government to implement a cull cow program, CFA will call on the government to compensate producers for losses incurred by the elimination of financial guarantees on Canadian Wheat Board payments, CFA will push the government to meet its NAFTA committment to harmonize pesticide registration with the U.S., and CFA will work with its members organizations to implement a long-term public relations strategy to promote the importance of agriculture to Canadian consumers.
Of particular importance, CFA members passed a resolution to aggressively lobby the federal government to provide financial support to producers facing income disasters that are not sufficiently addressed by current government programs. “We were pleased to hear Minister Mitchell again give the commitment of his government to finding long-term solutions to the farm income crisis. However it must be recognized that the crisis is reaching a head today, so the government is going to have to take steps to support the industry here and now,” said Bob Friesen, CFA President.
The CFA is also pleased to announce its Executive for 2005-2006: Bob Friesen will serve his fourth term as CFA President, and Laurent Pellerin and Marvin Shauf will each serve another term as CFA Vice Presidents.
“CFA is a strong organization that has been fighting for the interests of Canadian farmers since 1935, and now especially through all the challenges that have faced the industry in recent years,” said Friesen. “CFA will continue to fight for all Canadian farmers in every province and in every commodity sector.”
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Background
Founded in 1935 to provide Canada’s farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country’s largest farmers’ organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.
Contact:
Kieran Green, CFA Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633 [email protected]
Bob Friesen, CFA President, (204) 724-0824 (cell)
Brigid Rivoire, CFA Executive Director, (613) 236-3633 / (613) 715-3113 (cell)
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CANADIAN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
Suite 1101, 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5E7
(613) 236-3633 – voice
(613) 236-5749 – fax
[email protected]
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