Agriculture policy is like pouring concrete. Planning, levelling and forming are important parts but can be modified as needed. However, once the concrete is poured and set, it’s a large, burdensome task to make major changes. Although I would like to take credit for this analogy, I cannot. The analogy is that of University of […] Read more
Tag Archives Ag Policy
New ag policy framework spotlights trade
The emphasis at the agricultural policy framework negotiations is shifting from farm supports to prosperity through trade. Market access will be a key priority when federal and provincial agriculture ministers finish negotiating the next Growing Forward policy framework later this year, says a senior Agriculture Canada official. A priority during previous agricultural policy framework negotiations […] Read more
Trade talks spark fierce debate
Prime minister Stephen Harper signalled Nov. 13 he is reversing position and asking that Canada join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks. Supply management will be “on the table” for discussion, but the government will defend the system, he told reporters after an Asia-Pacific Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii. The surprise announcement, which is a change in […] Read more
Statistics Canada numbers lose credibility
It’s hard to find a farmer who likes the acreage and crop production estimates from Statistics Canada. As farmers, we are well-served by accurate, timely estimates. Too bad that isn’t what we’re getting. With thousands of producers surveyed in each province for each report, it’s likely that your phone is going to ring from time […] Read more
Meatless Monday initiative won’t affect global warming
Meatless Monday is a toothless tiger but that hasn’t stopped this promotion from clawing at animal agriculture. The Meatless Monday initiative, which began in about 2002 and seems to be steadily gaining supporters, encourages people to eliminate meat from their diets for one day each week as a way to protect the environment and reduce […] Read more
Widespread hunger unacceptable as a political choice in a food-rich world
Unless you are a turkey, autumn is a blessed time in this most blessed of countries. Harvest, Thanksgiving feasts, family are part of the tradition. But that is an overview. Not all Canadians share in those benefits, those good times. He was engaging in some over-the-top political rhetoric but on Oct. 7 as Canadians were […] Read more
Water may be defining issue in future
The following is an excerpt from the Canada West Foundation’s policy paper, “Wave of the future: Water policy in Western Canada,” by foundation president Roger Gibbins and policy analyst Larissa Sommerfeld. Western Canada, all of which are relevant to the economy, local cultures, ecosystem and human health. In British Columbia, the potential for floods and […] Read more
Soggy spring tests farm support plans
Governments are responding to agricultural, municipal and homeowner damages caused by heavy rainfall and storms across the Prairies this spring and summer. In this special report, Western Producer reporter Karen Briere surveys the response and digs into the details beyond the announcements. YORKTON, Sask. – Prime minister Stephen Harper received a bird’s-eye view last week […] Read more
WTO delays frustrate New Zealand envoy
The New Zealand farmer who travels the world promoting his country’s free trade, low subsidy policy is worried about what he sees happening in Geneva at world trade talks. More precisely, Alistair Polson is worried about what he does not see happening. World Trade Organization negotiations remain stalled more than eight years after they started […] Read more
Federal government offers carrot to attract young farmers into agriculture
“What I noticed is that if they come from a farm, they remember the bad moments their parents had in the past and not the good times,” he said. “It was negative. I think that is the mentality we have to change.” He said he also discovered that many young people were unaware of help […] Read more
