Canada’s new minister of agriculture, Bob Speller, brought his enthusiasm for the future of Canadian agriculture to the January meeting of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and it was much appreciated.
It was good to hear Minister Speller outline the recent meetings he has held with agriculture officials in Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United States in search of solutions to the trade of Canadian livestock and meat products. In talking about the situation in Japan, he said that country’s earlier experiences with BSE is behind much of the caution they are now showing.
He said the Japanese are “a little touchy” about the topic, and went to a system of testing all animals used in the food chain to try and regain the confidence of their consumers. That wasn’t a problem for Canada, he said, because of the system of science-based steps used to protect the food supply here.
Minister Speller outlined the process that’s being employed to regain markets lost because of BSE. The borders aren’t open yet, he said “but I believe it is a process that will lead eventually to the normalization of trade in beef products between Canada, United States and Mexico – hopefully in the near future.”
Until that happens, however, OFA is anxious to see additional support for livestock producers that will ensure they are able to survive the BSE crisis.
The minister issued a challenge to all Canadians to get involved in solving what he called one of the “biggest problems” facing agriculture and the Canadian economy. He said “every Canadian should take it in their own interest to talk to their American friends and tell them politics shouldn’t be standing in the way of opening up borders.”
He also gave assurances to OFA and its members that through regular review of the Agricultural Policy Framework and consultation with farmers and their organizations that challenges facing farmers would be dealt with. In his words: “I give you my commitment to work with you and do exactly that.”
Minister Speller stressed the importance of including farm groups in the process of solving the challenges that arise. He said “I want to give you my guarantee to involve farmers and farm groups across this country” as the APF and all its pillars are implemented.
Along with his views of the challenges facing Canadian agriculture, he recalled the task force he chaired and the report from that task force. “There are opportunities out there, and there are farmers across this country that see opportunities….and I think we need to continue to reinforce that with Canadians,” the minister said.
The OFA Board of Directors was encouraged to hear the minister’s evaluation of the work OFA does on behalf of farmers. “I can say that within Ottawa, the voice of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is heard. You are one of the primary agricultural groups in this country, and I know a lot of times when you speak, you speak not just for Ontario but indeed you speak for Canada, and that is recognized,” Minister Speller said.
He said he intends to work with OFA and other farm organizations to get the message out that Canadian agriculture treats its consumers well. Minister Speller said: “I don’t think consumers across this country recognize the value of the food that they have,” referring to the low cost and the high quality.
The minister expressed his appreciation for the recent thanks and support given him by Canadian farmers. He said: “it has really helped me in terms of being able to move forward and work on these issues.”
The OFA looks forward to working with Minister Speller on all the issues and challenges that face agriculture, and to a continued co-operative spirit.
~Ron Bonnett~
President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture