The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is often accused of being a supply-managed organization. Others argue we place too much emphasis on trade, while some question if our focus is too Central Canada, western grain or remote rural-centric.
I proudly answer an emphatic yes to all of the above.
The CFA is supportive and proud of all orderly marketing tools, including supply management, as well as the role they play in securing producer returns.
It is also focused on exports, proud of the high quality products that Canada sells internationally through its grain, oilseed, sugar beet, horticulture and livestock members, either directly or within each of our provincial general farm organizations.
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And yes, CFA is focused on the issues of Central Canada, Western Canada, Eastern Canada and the remote areas between.
The CFA is Canada’s largest national general farm organization. As such, we appreciate that not every issue will affect everyone at CFA directly or equally.
The organization was formed in 1935 to provide a strong, collective voice for farmers, work for the betterment of all farmers and improve the socio-economic situation of all farmers.
That objective has not changed 78 years later. It is obtained through a variety of initiatives on a broad spectrum of files that have a direct impact to the bottom line of our members and every Canadian farmer.
These include work not just on trade, which is key, but on other areas that directly affect farmers, such as the own-use pesticide program, species at risk, business risk management tools, crop insurance, taxation, water use, climate change, regulatory reform, food safety and farm safety.
Our objective is to ensure the sector as a whole is profitable and viable, not just today but for the long term. We at CFA strive to make that happen not on the backs or expense of others in the industry, but collectively and by working in partnership along the entire food supply chain.
We do it by working with not only Agriculture Canada, but with Health Canada, Environment Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Industry Canada.
Our provincial members help strengthen that approach by working with their respective provincial ministries to bring a common approach to agriculture in this country.
So, if working for the betterment of the entire agrifood sector is a fault, if understanding the complex inter-relationships between commodities, sectors and regions is wrong, then we are guilty and happily so.
But at the CFA, we will not be convinced that alone you can be stronger than working together.
Ron Bonnett is president of the CFA and a cow-calf operator.
