Recommendations from Easter - Opinion

Easter is a Liberal MP and parliamentary secreatary to federal agriculture minister Andy Mitchell. Following are some of the recommendations contained in his recently released report, Empowering Canadian Farmers in the Marketplace.

General

That all governments place a priority on measures that will enhance farmers’ economic returns from the marketplace.
That ministers and ministries of agriculture see their primary role as advocating on behalf of primary producers.
That ministers of agriculture meet internationally to discuss how to improve the incomes of primary producers from the marketplace.

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That governments consult primary producers and their representatives in the design and review of farm support programs.

Consolidation & Market Power

That the Competition Bureau be restructured and instructed to review the impact of current and proposed consolidations from the perspective of how they will affect the primary producer.
That the Competition Act be strengthened so that the impact of corporate consolidation on the primary producer can be taken into account.
That governments work with farmers to support, develop and maintain collective marketing initiatives, particularly through assisting New Generation Co-operatives and other farmer-owned corporate structures.
That information regarding the farmers’ share of the retail food dollar be published and distributed as widely as possible.

Producer Costs

That society bear the cost when farmers are required to take actions that benefit the public at large. …
That governments work with primary producers to identify costs, such as inspection fees, that government can either reduce or pay for entirely, while remaining compliant with trade agreements.
That governments evaluate the cost impact of new regulations and policies on producers.

Competitiveness

That the federal government improve Canada ‘s pesticide licensing process and specifically the performance of the Pest Management Review Agency.
That the federal government move toward harmonization of licensing and registration with the U.S. on pesticides.
That the federal government move toward harmonization with the U.S. on veterinary drug licensing.
That the federal government consider implementing labelling regulations that allow information about the health benefits of certain foods on their label.

International Trade

That the federal government take a balanced approach to international trade negotiations, recognizing the legitimacy of the right of primary producers to market their products how they want to, while generally stressing the importance of free and fair trade.
That the federal government defend the interests of Canadian producers in international trade negotiations, including a defence of supply management.
That Canadian provinces and stakeholders emphasize their common interests in international trade talks and negotiate with one voice.

That the federal government ensure foreign products entering this country meet the same quality, safety, health, environmental and labour standards as Canadian products.
That the federal government review existing international trade agreements and identify items that can be pursued legitimately to improve the competitiveness and cost structure of Canadian producers. Innovative Marketing & Product Development
That governments preserve and enhance research into primary agriculture, particularly at the regional level, and that research results be released to producers in a timely manner.
That governments support research and funding for niche markets, but not at the expense of more pressing needs and longer-term solutions to the farm income crisis.
That the federal government work with the organic sector to establish an organic value chain roundtable….
That the federal government review the reduction in funding to Canadian Agriculture and Food International Program.
That governments consider supporting a “Green Label” initiative proposed by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Enhanced Consumer Communications

That governments undertake campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits provided to the country by Canadian agriculture.
That the federal government act to differentiate “made-in-Canada” food products from those products merely processed in Canada.

Investment in Infrastructure

That the federal government ensure that young farmers have access to the Farm Improvement and Marketing Co-operatives Loans Act.
That governments allow producers to shelter a portion of their earnings in good years, and to withdraw them in lean years.
That governments eliminate succession and estate taxes levied on primary producers.
That governments invest in improving and maintaining highways and railways, increasing maritime container capacity; preserving and expanding research facilities.
That governments invest in foreign animal disease infrastructure to prevent further outbreaks of BSE, avian flu or other diseases.
That governments invest in slaughterhouse infrastructure to increase slaughter capacity.
That governments invest in infrastructure to produce renewable fuels from agricultural crops, particularly biodiesel and ethanol.

Social Infrastructure

That governments assure that child-care is extended to parents who choose to stay on the farm while raising their young children.
That governments enhance internship programs to provide opportunities for young people seeking careers in rural professions.
That governments provide financial support to students returning to work in farming communities but who cannot repay their student loans immediately.