Misconceptions abound | The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says farmers are innovative and strive to protect the environment
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says a new survey debunks many misconceptions about farming.
The survey, which was filled out by 523 out the federation’s 7,200 agri-business members between March 19 and April 22, asked farmers about their plans to protect the environment and their overall plan for the next three years.
“We wanted to get feedback to ensure we had the most up-to-date information on the issues,” said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, the CFIB’s vice-president of agri-business.
“It will help us continue to lobby all levels of government to ensure we have farmer friendly policies.”
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The results clash with a federal government study that found Canadians believe family farms are becoming extinct and that the agriculture sector is shrinking, lacks innovation and potentially harms the environment.
Braun-Pollon said her organization’s study shows that isn’t true.
She said Canadians have these misconceptions because they don’t understand that agriculture is more than just where food originates. Most Canadians likely don’t know that air bags contain cornstarch or shampoo contains oats, she added.
“The list goes on and on. When you look at it, everyday tasks wouldn’t be possible (without agriculture). Where would we be without agriculture?”
The CFIB outlined key realities of farming based on its study, including that agriculture is innovative and modern.
The survey found that 51 percent of farmers plan to adopt new, innovative technologies over the next three years.
Braun-Pollon said the agriculture sector is also growing, despite what Canadians may think. Twenty-one percent of farmers are hiring, and holding a job in the agriculture sector has many opportunities, she added.
As well, the survey found that 95 percent of farmers say they are taking action to protect the environment, such as improving the management of hazardous products, investing in energy efficient equipment and protecting water sources and waterways.
“To say that farmers are not interested in the environment is false,” she said. “Canadian farmers are working on a variety of fronts to make sure the environment is protected.”
She also said that while it may seem to some Canadians that farms aren’t being kept in the family, this is not true. Most farmers are older that 55, but the survey showed that 83 percent are passing the farm to a family member.
“It’s important groups like the CFIB and provincial and federal governments really do work hard in improving the perception of agriculture,” Braun-Pollon said.
