Canada’s grain growers hope the new federal Liberal minority government will work to support and promote the industry going forward, says Jeff Nielsen, a Mountain View County producer and chairman of the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).
“Grain farmers appreciate Mr. Trudeau and his government’s recognition that the Canadian economy, as a whole, benefits from a strong agriculture sector,” Nielsen said following the Oct. 21 federal vote.
“We are eager to get down to work and ensure that our sector realizes its full growth potential. This is a critical time for farmers and for our industry.”
Representing 65,000 Canadian producers, the GGC would like the new government to "demonstrate a commitment to standing up" for the agriculture industry, he said.
During the 2019 election campaign, the Liberals said they planned to increase federal support for "bankable risk management programs" for the industry, which are “critical to protect Canadian farmers and their families from risks beyond their control," he said.
“GGC will advocate for these commitments to be treated with urgency,” he said. “This is an opportunity for all parties to work together in a collaborative and constructive way on behalf of our agricultural sector.”
On the trade front, farmers continue to face significant challenges accessing key markets around the world, he said.
Regarding international trade, Nielsen said a “rules-based trading system is needed" to ensure that Canadian farmers have fair and predictable access to the international marketplace.
“This is why GGC was encouraged to see a commitment from the Liberal Party to increase support for the World Trade Organization," he said. "Canadian farmers, in particular, have been affected by recent international trade disputes. GGC will continue its work with the federal government to develop a strategy to address the challenges facing Canadian farmers in key markets around the world.”
Producers support a "rigorous, science-based, evidence-based and risk-based regulatory system that protects human health and the environment and enables reliable access to crop protection products," he said.
“The Liberal government of the past four years had demonstrated measurable progress towards the growth of the agri-food sector,” he said. “Now, with a renewed mandate, GGC stands ready and willing to work with Mr. Trudeau’s government as they redouble their efforts to help farmers and the industry achieve long-term success.”
