Farm groups ready to work with new government

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

Farm groups ready to work with new government
Farm groups across the country are ready to work with the
newly elected Canadian government, says the Canadian Federation of
Agriculture (CFA).

"CFA members have worked hard over the election campaign to raise the profile of farmer concerns," said Laurent Pellerin, 1st Vice President of the CFA. "Now we are eager to roll up our sleeves and work with our new government toward solutions for the policy gaps we have identified."
 
Farmers will recognize many familiar faces among those forming the new government, as many incumbent candidates successfully secured their seats.
 
"CFA congratulates the many returning MPs who have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of agriculture and rural issues," said Ron Bonnett, CFA 2nd Vice President.  "This valuable experience will serve farmers well as we move forward to develop policies and programs during uncertain economic times."
 
For those new MPs, CFA and its members anticipate the opportunities ahead to work collaboratively on key issues, such as trade, business risk management, environmental sustainability, food safety, and food labelling.
 
Specifically, the immediate priorities for farm groups include:
 
· solidifying details and funding for increased flexibility in business risk management programs — a commitment made in the Conservative platform — as proposed in CFA's AgriFlex initiative. 
 
· a continuing commitment to Canada's balanced trade position in international trade agreements
 
· recognition and plans to compensate farmers for their role in mitigating the effects of climate change
 
· an ongoing funding commitment to on-farm food safety programs
 
· a well-funded communications campaign, produced with industry and consumer stakeholders, to increase awareness on "Product of Canada" food labeling guidelines.