Unleashing the potential of Canadian agriculture

Feb. 23 was Canada’s Agriculture Day, a yearly celebration of the women and men who make our agriculture and food industry the best in the world. And while it shouldn’t take a crisis for us to show appreciation for our farmers, this year’s event took on additional meaning in light of the incredible work they have done keeping our grocery stores fully stocked through the COVID-19 pandemic. From the outset, they made it clear that if they had the right tools, they would get the job done. And just as they never fail to deliver for Canadians, our government is focused on delivering for them. When COVID-19 struck, one of the most pressing concerns for the sector was having continued access to skilled foreign workers, and help making sure they could do their jobs in a safe environment. Our government recognized the urgency and took immediate action. We committed more than $200-million to help farmers and food processors keep their workers safe, including ongoing support for the mandatory isolation period for temporary foreign workers, personal protective equipment, and upgraded housing. Thanks to these efforts, farmers across Canada were able to welcome 85 per cent of the normal foreign workforce to their operations in 2020. We provided billions in credit assistance and loan deferrals to help farmers and food processors manage cashflow pressures through the pandemic. We also invested $50-million to help farmers manage surplus product by redirecting food to food banks and other aid organizations to help Canadian families in need. While every aspect of farming has been impacted by the pandemic, we haven’t let this unprecedented situation distract us from our efforts to give farmers the tools they need to drive jobs and growth for generations to come. To do this, they need strong business risk management programs that reflect and respond to 21st century challenges. Starting with the AgriStability program, we have proposed key changes that would put more payments directly into the pockets of farmers who need it most. We’re seeking consensus with the provinces and territories to move forward with these changes, while beginning consultations on long-term reforms through the next five-year agricultural policy framework that begins in 2023. Strong environmental practices are also rapidly becoming an essential tool in the farmer’s toolbox. Global consumers are looking for assurances their food is sustainably grown. Canadian farmers are ready to be global leaders in sustainably grown food, and our government will work in partnership with them to show that ecological practices are also good economic practices. Under Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, we are investing $350-million over 10 years into programs that will help farmers continue their stewardship of soil, water and biodiversity through greener practices and technologies. We are opening up new opportunities for farmers in biofuels, and we have committed to new rebates for on-farm fuel use such as grain drying, to support our food producers and also encourage new investments in sustainable technologies. On supply management, we're delivering on our promises and we have committed to no new concessions in any future trade negotiations. We are keeping our promise to compensate supply-managed producers for the impacts of our trade agreements. For dairy producers, we are providing $1.75-billion over an accelerated period of four years instead of eight. We are moving forward on programs for our egg and poultry producers supported by a federal investment of $691-million. And we will honour our commitment to compensate supply managed processors, as well as compensation for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement. Looking ahead, agriculture can help drive the relaunch of our economy and is already showing great signs of strength. Last year, in the middle of a global pandemic, Canadian producers and food processors exported almost $74-billion in agri-food products, an increase of more than 10 per cent over the previous year. We are on track to meet—and beat—our target of $75-billion in agri-food exports by 2025. As well, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada is forecasting record net cash income for farmers in 2021. In my home riding and right across the country, farmers contribute to food security, jobs, and economic growth and I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them now and in the future. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and our government remain absolutely committed to giving them the tools they need to get the job done and deliver once again for Canadians. Neil Ellis is parliamentary secretary for Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, Ont. The Hill Times