Media Releases

Rising Dollar, Rising Interest Rates, Falling Farmers

June 21, 20/07 Two pieces of economic news this past week bode poorly for farmers, and both of them relate to factors far beyond their control. One is the continuing rise of the Canadian dollar against its American counterpart. The dollar neared 92 cents American, a level not seen since 1977. Many analysts are saying the loonie could reach par with the American dollar before the end of 2007. The second piece of news concerned Canada's inflation rate. The so-called core inflation rate hit 2.5% in April, furthering speculation that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates. Both situations have severe repercussions down on the farm. Grain on international markets is mainly priced in American dollars. Thus each increase in the value of the Canadian dollar effectively lowers the value of Canadian grain on export markets. Should the Canadian dollar reach par with the U.S.

Fowl play

The poultry industry's central role in the bird flu crisisBackyard or free-range poultry are not fuelling the current wave of bird flu outbreaks stalking large parts of the world. The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu is essentially a problem of industrial poultry practices.

Oligopoly, Inc. 2005: Concentration in Corporate Power

etc group -- November/December 2005It’s no secret that transnational corporations wield unprecedented power to shape social, economic and trade policies. Today we are witnessing ever more concentrated control over – not only the food system – but the products and processes of life and the fundamental building blocks of nature.

Empowering Canadian Farmers in the Marketplace

A report by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food -- July 2005Table of ContentsTerms of ReferenceLetter to the MinisterThe Farm Economy in CrisisFarm Income ConsultationsImpact of Government RegulationImproving Farm IncomeThe Need for InvestmentConclusionRecommendationsSourcesAnnex 1 - Government Actions Taken

The Farmers’ Share: Compare the Share 2004

Centre For Rural Studies and Enrichment -- November 2004

Rethinking U.S. Agricultural Policy: Changing Course to Secure Farmer Livelihoods Worldwide

Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, University of Tennessee -2003 Disastrously low prices are plaguing farmers worldwide. A deliberate shift in American agricultural policy in the 1990s has paved the way for these depressed crop prices with no mechanisms in place to change the situation. Prices declined after 1996 because that year’s Farm Bill dropped several traditional, crucial safeguards for managing supply and supporting prices.

The Canadian Farm Family at Work: Exploring Gender and Generation

Centre For Rural Studies and Enrichment

Power hungry: six reasons to regulate global food corporations

Action Aid Global food companies have grown too powerful and are undermining the fight against poverty in developing countries. They are draining wealth from rural communities, marginalising small-scale farming, and infringing people’s rights. Urgent action is needed to re-govern agricultural markets so they benefit poor people, and to make companies legally accountable for their impacts on human rights and the environment.