Re: Replace distorting farm programs with solid policy: Alta. expert (WP, May 19).
I am writing in response to Barbara Duckworth’s recent article following my May 5 presentation to the Alberta Agricultural Economists Associafor tion in Red Deer.
I appreciate a chance to provide additional clarity and context.
Alberta’s agriculture sector is a complex community of businesses interacting within a fast moving international marketplace. Many market opportunities exist, however competition is strong.
Managing business risks, improving productivity through strong research, product development and extension, and capitalizing on new market opportunities strengthens all aspects of the agricultural value chain.
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Farm groups are too amiable with the federal government
Farm groups and commodity groups in Canada often strike a conciliatory tone, rather than aggressively criticizing the government.
Over the last several years, the federal and provincial governments have worked together to develop strong national agriculture policy to guide investments that will increase profitability and self-sufficiency.
Prior to the negotiation of the agriculture policy framework in 2003, programs delivered by the provinces and the federal government often lacked consistency and continuity. At times, there were concerns of possible trade sanctions.
A national policy with common objectives provides a platform for the delivery of a suite of programs, consistent across all provinces.
By their very nature, these objectives are fluid and should always be reviewed, revised and improved. This has resulted in the current Growing Forward framework that allows for improved flexibility at a provincial level.
For government, it is critical to determine if investments made through programs are making a difference. Although this is not always an easy task, governments are obligated to assess the impacts of policy frameworks.
While it may take years in some cases for the full impact to unfold, effort is required to ensure future investments are relevant and meaningful.
As resources become more finite, government and industry will continue to work together to ensure investments are strategic and specific. Alberta’s Cattle Price Insurance Program is a true partnership of government and industry, assisting cattle producers in managing their own risk….
The next national policy framework is currently being discussed, and will likely be in place by April 2013. Many of the conceptual discussions that transpired at this event will be part of the negotiation process and help the final agreement reflect the needs of industry.
Andre Tremblay,Executive Director, Policy, Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Alberta Agriculture Edmonton, Alta.
