For many farm leaders opposed to the design of Ottawa’s proposed new farm safety net package, the writing seems to be on the wall – the federal government is determined to push the agricultural policy framework into existence this year despite strong farm opposition.
Last week’s “third party” review, paid for by Ottawa and endorsing Ottawa’s analysis of APF benefits, was the clincher even though it was widely panned by farm groups.
But they insist the fight is not over.
“They (Ottawa) may decide to push ahead but I can tell you that we are not convinced and if our concerns are justified, the federal government will be accountable,” Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Bob Friesen said April 28.
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“The government seems stubbornly determined to bring this about and that is very frustrating to farmers. All we are asking is that before something is launched, we are clear it is better.”
Provincial farm leaders say they will continue to pressure provincial governments not to sign implementing agreements for the APF.
“I believe a number of provincial governments, including Quebec and Ontario, will not sign as long as there are serious farmer objections,” Ontario Federation of Agriculture vice-president Bill Mailloux said. “What kind of a national program is that?”
Saskatchewan farm leader Terry Hildebrandt said federal minister Lyle Vanclief seems almost oblivious to farmer arguments, even though the programs are supposed to help farmers.
“”The (federal) deputy minister seems to have decided that this is the way it has to be and the minister seems to have bought into it,” he said.
“I think we are launching a program that many farmers doubt and that may have low buy-in because of the costs and the doubt. The people not in will be those that need protection the most. I worry about that.”
Newfoundland is expected to become the first province to sign implementing agreements in early May. Other provinces, faced with not receiving their share of federal funds without signing on, are expected to follow suit this summer.
In Ottawa, opposition agriculture critic Howard Hilstrom of the Canadian Alliance said the Achilles heel of the deal may not even be the design. It may be the limited number of dollars available.
“There is no way that the $1.1 billion available under this will be enough to cover agriculture in really bad years,” said the Manitoba cattle producer.
“The government, or the next one, has to send a signal that they will be there to support farmers however big the need. This program is an attempt to limit government liability. That is not possible.”
Mailloux said farm groups will continue to try to force the government to improve parts of the APF that are not working, once it is implemented.
“But fixing something after the fact is not the sensible way to go,” he said from Toronto.
“They may be determined to implement this but farmers are not going to stop reminding them where the flaws are and how to fix them,” added Cam Dahl of Grain Growers of Canada.
“This is not a sensible way to bring in a new long-term policy.”
