The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is inviting federal and provincial agriculture ministers to a mid-June day of informal discussions on the future of farm safety nets and agricultural policy.
The round table discussion has been scheduled tentatively for June 18 in Winnipeg.
It would be a prelude to the late June meeting of ministers in Whitehorse where negotiations will begin on a new long-term farm policy strategy.
New approach
The federal government is intent on stressing environmental, food safety and “life sciences” issues as the core strands of a new policy while downplaying more traditional income support policies.
The CFA, still smarting from its failure last spring to convince Ottawa that $900 million is needed this year for farm safety net supports, will use the meeting to try to emphasize that short-term help is needed to keep many farmers viable until they can benefit from the longer-term vision.
The federal government approved a $500 million farm aid package.
Late last week, negotiations still were under way to find out if Ottawa, the provinces and territories will be able to attend June 18.
