Canada’s agriculture Minister suggests the Canadian agriculture’s sector’s long term ability to succeed and grow rests in its ability to compete in global markets.
Canada’s Agriculture Ministers, meeting last week in Gatineau, Quebec, launched the final stage of negotiations for the next agriculture policy framework.
The new framework will replace the current Growing Forward agreement by April of next year.
Federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz says, just as farmers constantly adjust their farming practices to changing markets or weather conditions, so too must government review programs to support the needs of the agriculture industry.
Ministers agreed that the next five year framework agreement will set out policies and programs to support a modern innovative market oriented sector as well as a refocused suite of business risk management programs.
In addition to a strong market place we also have many newly elected governments around the table with clear mandates from their farmers.
They were elected to not only move the industry forward but to also reduce the deficits.
We know that the time is now to strengthen their investments that give farmers the best return.
Of course we’re not moving forward on the next framework alone.
Just as they were partners with us on innovation and trade, industry is working with us every step of the way as we create this next framework.
Hundreds of farm leaders and other value chain stakeholders have shared their views on ways to build on the successes of the existing suite of programs while addressing the long term challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
We will continue to consult with industry as we work through the summer towards our fall meeting.
Canada is well positioned to meet the growing demand for high quality foods supported by world class research and development with modern efficient regulatory systems.
Ladies and gentlemen we must ensure we’re setting the right conditions for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses and to prosper in the years to come
Ritz says the goal is to set the right conditions for producers and processors to compete and succeed.
He says Ministers aim to sign the new agreement at their next annual meeting in September in Whitehorse, Yukon.
