The re-appointment of Gerry Ritz as federal agriculture minister brought mainly positive reviews from Canadian farm leaders.
The praise crossed sectoral lines from export-oriented cattle and grain industry leaders to supply management.
It stopped at the National Farmers Union.
President Terry Boehm said Ritz in a majority Conservative government will lead to weaker farmer-supportive institutions such as the Canadian Wheat Board and the Canadian Grain Commission and likely introduction of more genetically modified crop varieties into Canada in the name of innovation.
He also predicted undermining of supply management protections.
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“I struggle to see anything positive here,” Boehm said.
“I hope the minister will commit to undertake cost benefit and economic harm analysis before policies are introduced rather than just ideology. I guess that is as positive as I can get.”
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Grain Growers of Canada and supply management agencies issued statements applauding Ritz’s reappointment and commending his willingness to work with them.
“We look forward to this opportunity to continue to work with the minister and his team at (Agriculture Canada) to advance our shared long-term vision of a strong, profitable supply-managed and consumer-responsive dairy sector in Canada,” said Dairy Farmers of Canada president Jacques Laforge.
He noted Ritz’s strong support for supply management and its tariff protections.
On the other side of the trade divide was praise from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
“Minister Ritz worked tirelessly to improve market access for Canadian cattle, beef and other agricultural exports and we appreciate his efforts,” CCA president Travis Toews said in a statement.
Grain lobby groups opposed to the wheat board monopoly cheered Ritz’s return as the minister who will fulfill their dreams of eliminating the board’s monopoly powers.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Ron Bonnett said the CFA welcomes Ritz’s re-appointment.
“We believe his experience and relationship with the CFA will ensure we work together in developing a strong and effective suite of agricultural policies and programs.”
However, the CFA also said it expects the re-elected Conservative government to make policy decisions that Ritz has indicated he will not do.
