Government abandons rural Canada

(<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Ottawa)-The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is extremely disappointed with today’s budget announcement by the federal government and the decision to not support Canadian producers in this time of need.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

“The last three years of Realized Net Incomes of farmers have been the lowest in recorded history and it is incomprehensible that the federal government has abandoned rural Canada and not supported Canadian farm families at this time,” says CFA President Bob Friesen.

In April, the CFA displayed the level of hurt for producers as $1.9 billion per year for three years, just to return producers to some semblance of previous incomes. The government made a positive first step with the Farm Income Payment program of $1 billion. However, the problem still exists and in fact, has worsened. Distorted world markets continue to lower output prices and input costs have risen significantly with the price of fuel. 

“Minister Goodale today put to Canadians, ‘…this country will only reach its full potential when each and every Canadian can reach their potential’” says Friesen.  “Well, the cold reality on the ground for thousands of Canadian farm families persists and that reality necessitates action.  The federal government continues to talk of their commitment to striving for transformative change, yet today, when given the opportunity, farmers were neglected again.”

Agriculture is a fundamental part of the Canadian fabric. The problem here affects more than just the farm community but also small and medium size business dependent on farmers making an income.  And the CFA remains focused on finding long-term solutions to achieve farm incomes from the marketplace. “But hard times call for strong action”, says Friesen.  “It remains to be seen if this government is willing to take the steps necessary for real change.”