VANCOUVER – Like a polite dinner guest, federal agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief asked his hosts how he should spend the final $600 million in agriculture transition money.
But members of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture are doubtful the dinner guest listened to their answers.
“I want to know your suggestions how we use it,” Vanclief asked the CFA delegates via a video teleconference link from Ottawa.
Bill Mailloux, vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, said last year the CFA had unanimous consent how the first $600 million should be spent, and its suggestion was ignored.
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“We came to a decision nationally at CFA on how to deliver those dollars and we believe that was ignored.
“You’re asking for advice on the transition dollars. What is the assurance that you would actually take our advice on the consensus of the dollars this year?”
During the meeting in Windsor, Ont., last year, the group wanted the money to be divided using eligible net sales and allow each province to determine for itself where the money was needed.
“We wanted the dollars in the hands of producers,” Mailloux said.
Instead, the federal minister funnelled the money into Net Income Stabilization Accounts.
While the CFA wanted the money to go into the hands of producers, Vanclief said he had contrary advice for the money.
“Clearly I had other feedback from others and the provinces what they wanted,” said Vanclief.
This year there doesn’t seem to be any common ground either.
Once again, the CFA wants the money spent to ease the hurt caused by the drought and problems of 2002.
“The transition money should flow based on the need that was created in 2002,” said CFA president Bob Friesen.
He said there is unanimous support this year that the money should not be used as seed money for the new agriculture policy framework.
“If you have to use $600 million to seed the new program, it shows right there the program cannot stand on its own,” said Friesen.
Vanclief believes using the $600 million as seed money has merit, and would allow all farmers to participate in the new risk management plans of the agriculture framework policy through NISA.
“Many people’s NISA accounts are very small,” Vanclief said.
“Do we need to take some of that money to ensure everybody has some contribution for being a participant and involved in the new program?”
