Media Releases

ED SAGAN IS NEW REGION 6 COORDINATOR IN SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatoon, Sask. - The National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to announce that Ed Sagan is the new Regional Coordinator for NFU Region 6 (Saskatchewan). Sagan operates a grain farm and also runs a small seed plant in the Melville area and has been an NFU member for over 20 years.

GROWING FORWARD II CONSULTATIONS LACK ATTENTION TO DOMESTIC MARKETS

Guelph, Ont. – The current round of Growing Forward II consultations are far too focussed on the development of export markets and almost completely ignore Canada’s domestic market, says the National Farmers Union (NFU). “There is almost no opportunity to discuss domestic food markets in these consultations. Domestic markets are crucial to the livelihood of farmers and our food security here in Canada,” stated NFU Board member and St. Marys area farmer, Ann Slater.

NFU CONVENTION EXPLORES “WHO HAS THE POWER IN AGRICULTURE?”

Guelph, Ontario – The National Farmers Union (NFU) Region 3 Spring Convention and Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday March 5<span class="s1"<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</spanth </span<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</spanat the Canadian Italian Club in Guelph, Ontario. Built around the theme of 'Who Has the Power?”, the convention speakers addressed both situations in which farmers and citizens are losing power, and situations when farmers can use their influence to protect natural power and family farms.

FARMERS FROM ACROSS CANADA SUPPORT MOTION FOR A MORATORIUM ON GM ALFALFA

Genetically modified alfalfa will destroy Canada’s crop and livestock markets very soon unless our politicians show leadership and wisdom by supporting the MOTION calling for a moratorium on the approval of GM alfalfa, SAID THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION (NFU) . The MOTION was presented by Liberal members of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee on March 3. The COMMITTEE WILL vote for or against the moratorium on Thursday March 10<span class="s1"<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</spanth</span<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</span.

YOUNG FARMERS FROM ACROSS COUNTRY TO MEET ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Saskatoon, Sask. - The National Farmers Union (NFU) Youth will meet in Saanich, B.C. from March 10-12, 2011 for the Fourth Annual NFU Youth Leadership Workshop. The meeting will include debate on the current issues and policy of the NFU Youth, local farm tours, and dialogue with a number of local organizations and young farmers.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? BEEF PACKERS RECEIVE MORE SUBSIDIES

Saskatoon, SK – Alberta beef packers are receiving yet another round of subsidies from the Alberta and federal governments. On February 11<span class="s1"<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</spanth </span<span class="nfu nfu-angle-double-right"</spanan announcement was made that XL Foods (a Nilsson Bros. company) will receive $1.6 million in Growing Forward/ALMA funding over the next two years to increase the value-added production capacity of their Lakeside plant located in Brooks. That follows closely on the heels of the $3 million awarded to Cargill Meat Solutions to “improve operational efficiencies” at its High River Plant.

FARMERS DECIDE OPERATIONS OF CWB, NOT CONSERVATIVE MPS

Saskatoon, SK – The National Farmers Union (NFU) is expressing its extreme displeasure that the Conservative government is once again attempting to meddle in the operations of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). Last week, Conservative Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz criticized the CWB for the purchase of two laker ships for moving grain across the Great Lakes. Also, Conservative MP Bruce Stanton introduced a private member’s bill aimed at allowing farmers to opt out of the CWB.

FARM BUSINESSES HURT BY FAILURE TO PASS BILL C-474

Saskatoon, SK – The National Farmers Union (NFU) is expressing its disappointment that Bill C-474 was voted down in the House of Commons yesterday evening. “This bill is a clear loss for Canadian farmers, and a clear win for corporations like Monsanto and Syngenta whose only concern is their own profitability,” stated NFU Vice President Colleen Ross. Bill C-474 was designed to protect Canadian farmers by requiring that an examination of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed were permitted.

NFU Urges All MPs to Vote In Favour of Bill C-474 Tomorrow

Saskatoon, SK – The NFU is urging all MPs to vote in favour of Bill C-474 in the House of Commons in Ottawa tomorrow. Bill C-474 would require that an examination of potential harm to export markets be undertaken before the sale of any new genetically modified seed is allowed.

NFU PRESIDENT PROTESTS CETA NEGOTIATIONS IN BRUSSELS

Saskatoon, Sask. ─ National Farmers Union (NFU) President Terry Boehm has joined the coalition of organizations called the Trade Justice Network in protesting the latest round of Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) negotiations taking place in Brussels this week. "I will be making our concerns heard to politicians in Brussels as well as working with other organizations opposed to the deal from Canada and Europe," stated Boehm.