MARCH 14, 2001
NFU NEW BRUNSWICK COORDINATOR COMMENTS
ON FARM AID DISTRIBUTION
WOODSTOCK, NEW BRUNSWICK--"New money is vital and welcome to assist farmers across Canada: many struggling with the lowest incomes since 1930," said NFU Region 1 (Maritimes) Coordinator Harold Culberson. Culberson was commenting on last week's announcement of new aid money and the rallies taking place across Canada today.
Culberson disagreed, however, with New Brunswick Federation of Agriculture President Philip Christie who has said Atlantic Canadian farmers have escaped the desperation in the west. "If Mr. Christie was to look at the Statistics Canada report released at the end of January 2001 or talk to New Brunswick's grain, pork, or potato producers, he would know that many face the same income crisis that is hitting the west," said Culberson.
The NFU agrees with the Federation that the new money should be part of a plan and a program that would help end the crisis, as this would benefit both farmers and taxpayers. "Many groups are asking for a long-term and comprehensive Canadian agriculture policy. Instead, Minister Vanclief responds with an announcement of three ad hoc programs responding to disasters within the farm community," said Culberson.
The NFU doesn't agree, however, with the Federation's proposal that N.B.'s share of the federal government's $500 million--about $4 million--should go to "food safety and environmental programs." "Food safety is a Health Canada and Agri-Food Canada responsibility. Such programs are already in place and should be well funded by the federal government. It would be unwise for New Brunswick to take money--money other provinces are using to help struggling farmers--and spend it on food-safety or environmental programs. These are critical programs, but their funding must not come at the expense of struggling farmers," said Culberson.
Culberson urged the government to get money to farmers as soon as possible. "Acreage payments are never a good solution. But in this case, with the federal government making this announcement so late and the urgency to distribute this money as quickly as possible, the NFU urges Minister Robichaud to use this money to make capped acreage payments to N.B. grain producers. N.B. grain producers are facing the fourth year of low grain prices and are competing with subsidized local grain from Quebec and Maine," said Culberson. Culberson also noted that potato farmers who lost over $50 million due to the federal government's mishandling of the PVYn virus have still not been compensated.
Culberson noted that supporting grain production in the province had environmental and other benefits. "We need to encourage rotation and cover crops to reduce erosion. We also need a supply of high quality feed for N.B. beef, pork, and poultry farmers and aquaculture producers," he said.
Farmers are rallying in cities across Canada to demonstrate their displeasure with the recently announced federal aid package and with the lack of a federal agriculture policy.
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For More Information:
Harold Culberson, NFU Region 1 (Maritimes) Coordinator: (506) 375-6510
Darrin Qualman, Executive Secretary: (306) 652-9465