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CFA discusses next ag policy framework

OTTAWA –- Leaders representing Canadian farm groups gathered in Ottawa last week for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) 2017 Annual Meeting and examined policy options to better position the industry for growth.

CFA members heard keynote speeches and participated in discussions centred on the theme "Canada's 150: Our Farms, Our Food, Our Future." 

"Agriculture is gaining recognition as a sector that is primed for considerable growth, but it is clear that we as an industry need to work together to address key obstacles to this growth. The next Agricultural Policy Framework is critical in this regard, as is improving Canada's grain transportation infrastructure, and ensuring producers have access to the labour they need to grow their businesses," said Ron Bonnett, who was re-elected as CFA President.

During his opening keynote, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay emphasized the importance of farm organizations and governments working in partnership, especially in the evolving context of the international trade. He also spoke about the Agriculture Policy Framework, which is now being developed and will be finalized by federal and provincial agriculture ministers this July.

Attendees discussed international trade concerns with Pamela Goldsmith Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, who talked about progress with the Canada-EU trade agreement (CETA) as well as other trade negotiations.

CFA members passed 40 resolutions that will guide its advocacy efforts in the coming year. This year's resolutions cover a range of issues, including: program funding, trade, rural infrastructure, risk management, transportation, tax policy, climate change, food safety, crop protection, labour, data and digital technology, and other topics. 

February 27, 2017  By Top Crop Manager