Media Releases

Archived press releases

Press releases generated from between 1999 to 2010 can be downloaded here.

Government Ignores Concerns with Variety Registration Change and Plows Ahead Anyway

The federal government has changed the variety registration system regulations in spite of widespread opposition and concerns. The variety registration system is a system where new plant varieties are independently tested and judged on their performance and merit by recommending committees before they can be grown as commercial crops in Canada.

BUDGET IGNORES STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS IN AGRICULTURE

The federal budget released by the Harper Government fails to address the deepening financial crisis facing Canada’s family farmers, says Stewart Wells, President of the National Farmers Union (NFU).In the budget, the Harper Government promised $50 million over the next three years to expand slaughterhouse capacity. However, there is no provision to ensure these funds do not simply end up in the pockets of Cargill, Tyson and XL, the big three packing companies which together control over 80% of Canada’s beef processing facilities.

Alberta Government Must Let Farmers Decide Direction of CWB

<span<span class="fa-solid fa-angles-right"</spanJanuary 12, 2009 - The Alberta Government must respect the wishes of farmers and stop spending taxpayers’ money on a campaign to dismantle the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), says Doug Scott, a Board member of the National Farmers Union (NFU).</span<span class="fa-solid fa-angles-right"</span

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.