Environment

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. Read more

Is a $4 Billion Irrigation Expansion a Good Investment for Saskatchewan Farms?

The greatest threat to Saskatchewan farms is climate change. Thus, we should ask: should the Saskatchewan and federal governments spend $4 billion on irrigation infrastructure? Can this investment really protect a significant number of farms or acres from climate change? Or could the money be better spent on other projects or in other ways? How should we spend taxpayers’ limited dollars? Read more

Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis

By publishing Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis, the NFU signals its commitment to participating in a meaningful conversation among farmers, scientists and policymakers that will evolve as our understanding and knowledge increases. The farm crisis is real, as is the climate crisis.  Left unchecked, the climate crisis will dramatically deepen the income Read more

Union Farmer Quarterly: Fall 2019

In this issue: Messages from the Editorial Advisory Committee, President Katie Ward, Youth President Stuart Oke; Regional Coordinators It’s a blast from the past! In celebration of the NFU’s 50th Anniversary, we are profiling some of the folks who have held national elected positions over the years, including Ann Slater, NFU Vice President (Policy), 2013 Read more

Union Farmer Newsletter: October – November 2019

Inside this issue … Seed Synergy update: Seed industry groups are preparing to consolidate power in one big organization —  Five of the six Seed Synergy groups are trying to merge into one big group as part of their push to get control of Canada’s seed regulatory system. GM Herbicide-Tolerant Crop Concerns — Bayer is Read more

NFU congratulates Manitoba on new GROW Program to enhance environmental action

The GROW Program is a good first step that will help farmers invest in environmental solutions. The NFU in Manitoba is looking forward to participating in the consultations that will develop the details of this program and create a base for expanding and deepening the on-farm environmental enhancement efforts we will need to make a substantial impact. Read more

NFU letter supportive of GROW Program

The Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) Program is a step in the right direction to help Manitoba farmers become a bigger part of the climate solution Read more

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 the Smith Creek Regional Watershed Association Board’s proposed Blackbird Creek Drainage Project located approximately 50 kilometres east of Yorkton, Saskatchewan and approximately 6 km from Read more

Polluter-pay decision a small but important step

“The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruling that the federal government has the jurisdiction to enact legislation to control greenhouse gas emissions is a small but important step on the journey to sustainability,” said Stewart Wells, NFU 2nd Vice President. Read more

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 agriculture and agri-food sector. The Committee would like to understand the challenges and opportunities for the sector, measures taken by industry and government to improve Read more