The federal government’s concentration this autumn on fallout from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States may jeopardize funding for a new long-term agriculture policy, a leading farm lobbyist warns.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Bob Friesen said Oct. 5 that politicians have made it clear when talking to CFA members that government priorities have changed and spending demands have escalated.
That could have an agricultural impact beyond whether there is an extraordinary drought payment this winter.
“The indication to us has been that since the things which have happened this fall, it will not be as easy to get additional dollars and that extends even to the long term,” Friesen said in an Ottawa interview during a CFA board meeting.
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In late October or November, agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief was expecting to take to cabinet a proposed blueprint for a new long-term agriculture policy that would be approved next year by federal and provincial governments.
It would carry a multi-billion dollar price tag.
As the government concentrates on issues of border and airport security, demands for a beefed up military and police force, and calls for aid from industries whose business has fallen because of the terrorist attacks, most other government issues have been pushed aside.
A sagging economy also means the government will have fewer dollars to spend.
“We have been told that there will be many other people asking for money this fall so the competition has become more fierce,” said Friesen.
Perhaps a greater worry for the farm lobby is the falling priority agriculture is accorded at the cabinet table as other issues pile on.
“We’re certainly concerned at any suggestion the work on the long-term policy could be delayed or pushed off the table,” said Friesen. “We’re not saying our issue is more important but we are saying that at this time, food security also is an issue.”
The CFA is arranging a meeting with finance minister Paul Martin and also plans to meet with the Liberal caucus task force on agriculture to try to keep the pressure on government.
Last week during a CFA reception for MPs on Parliament Hill, Martin made a brief appearance and promised a later meeting to talk about “agricultural investment.”
Meanwhile, CFA board members lobbied MPs and cabinet ministers to try to win a commitment that any surplus funds from last year’s Canadian Farm Income Program will be rolled over into this year’s farm program budget and not turned back into government coffers.
And Friesen said the CFA supports a recommendation from the agriculture minister’s safety nets advisory committee that the minister consider making triggered withdrawals from Net Income Stabilization Accounts mandatory.
Friesen, a member of the advisory committee, said the proposal is that when withdrawals are triggered because of a fall in net income, a farmer should be forced to withdraw up to one-third of what is available.
“We want to make sure that there are programs in place farmers can use and do use,” he said.
In the past, Vanclief has complained that farmers don’t use NISA enough.
