NFU Policy archive

NFU Submission to Canada Grain Act Review

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to provide input to the federal government’s review of the Canada Grain Act and the Canadian Grain Commission. The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC), the Canada Grain Act (CGA) and its regulations are foundational to Canada’s agricultural economy. The value that the CGC brings to the Canadians in general and to farmers in particular cannot be overstated. The CGC was established in 1912 to bring fairness, transparency, confidence, and order to Canada’s grain sector. The mandate of the CGC is “the Commission shall, in the interests of the grain producers, establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain and regulate grain handling in Canada, to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.” The CGC’s effective use of its regulatory authority and mandate is the solid foundation upon which the Canadian grain sector’s enviable reputation and excellent trade position has been built. The CGC’s mandate must not be altered. Canada’s many individual farmers share common interests and they must deal with grain buyers who are fewer, wealthier and much more powerful. The CGC mandate recognizes that the interests of farmers and grain companies are generally in opposition, and that is necessary to balance the lopsided power relationship with effective regulatory authority that safeguards the interests of grain producers. By growing crops, farmers provide the wealth that supports the whole grain trade and its tens of billions of dollars’ worth of annual spin-off multiplier effects in the Canadian economy. The CGC’s proper role is to ensure that farmers are treated fairly, not only when they make individual transactions with grain companies, but also by preventing corruption of the grain system as a whole. The CGC’s authority to establish and maintain quality ensures that the grain which farmers produce has high value, and retains its integrity and thus its value, through to its purchase by an end user.

Submission to the Land Matters Advisory Committee

Presented to the Committee in Summerside, PEI, January 12, 2021 District I, Region 1 of the National Farmers Union is appreciative of the opportunity to appear before the Land Matters

PEI’s Land and Water Need Protection, says NFU

The concerns surrounding our land can’t be separated from the usage of water. If exploitation of the land is allowed to continue, then exploitation of water will increase. The NFU takes the position that if the role of water is to be extended in agriculture production, then its usage must be a regulated part of a far broader strategy that addresses stewardship of the land and the greater good of farmers, the environment, and rural communities.

Creating the Foundation for a Climate-friendly Post-Pandemic Food System for Canadians

The COVID 19 pandemic is providing a real-life stress test for our food system, revealing gaps and weaknesses as well as strengths and resilience, highlighting both needs and opportunities that require funding in Budget 2021.

Envisioning a Post-Pandemic Agriculture and Food System

A sustainable and just food system for Canada as proposed by the NFU will mitigate and prevent multiple cascading crises and provide the foundation of a good life.

Meat packing concentration makes Canada’s food system vulnerable

The National Farmers Union (NFU) offers heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the Cargill beef packing plant worker who lost her life  to COVID-19 on April 20. The COVID-19

Bill C-4 makes unnecessary and harmful amendments to Canada Grain Act

Bill C-4, the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act, amended certain existing laws to bring them into conformity with Canada’s obligations under the CUSMA Agreement. A review of witness statements shows

NFU-O Submission on Animal Welfare Legislation

We support publicly accountable animal protection that is adequately and publicly funded, and provides inspection and enforcement by properly trained personnel.

Federal Environmental Assessment of drainage project needed

Letter in support of Blackbird Creek Drainage Project designation under CEAA 2012

The NFU sent the following letter to Environment Canada: The National Farmers Union (NFU) supports the designation under subsection 14(2) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) of

Falling Number and DON as potential grading factors

NFU comments to the Canadian Grain Commission consultation

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to provide comments to the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) in regard to Falling Number and deoxynivalenol (DON) as potential official grain grading factors.

Public Perception of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector

Submission to House of Commons Agriculture Committee

Pursuant to the motion adopted at its meeting on February 19, 2019, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food is undertaking a study on the public perception of the Canadian

Special Reviews of Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam Risk to Aquatic Invertebrates

NFU submission to the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is pleased to provide comments on the Proposed Special Review Decisions PSRD2018-01 and PSRD2018-02 regarding Risk to Aquatic Invertebrates from Clothianidin and Thiamethoxam respectively. Clothianidin