Policy processes

NFU says “Seeds Canada” name misleading, asks Minister to disallow

“Using the name “Seeds Canada” while advancing its members’ private interests through lobbying, surveillance and regulatory activities would surely cause confusion about government’s role in seed policy, regulation and enforcement,” said NFU member Cam Goff. “This jeopardizes the government’s reputation, and it calls Canada’s democratic values and public interest into question. Read more

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

NFU welcomes Throne Speech attention to climate change, gender, anti-racism and rural connectivity

In Tuesday’s Speech from the Throne, the National Farmers Union (NFU) was pleased that farmers and ranchers were recognized as “key partners in the fight against climate change” and stated that in the coming session of Parliament there will be support for our efforts to reduce emissions and build resilience. “Highlighting that farmers and ranchers are able and willing to make a positive difference for the climate is a critical step forward for Canada,” said Katie Ward, NFU President. “As a member of the Farmers for Climate Solutions coalition we have been working hard to raise public awareness, and are glad the Prime Minister heard our voice.” Read more

Throne speech should support farmers and ranchers to reduce GHGs

Prime Minister, as you set a new agenda for Canada, we expect that in your Speech from the Throne you will prioritize food and farming and include “Supporting farmers to reduce emissions and build resilience.” Along with helping farm businesses recover from the pandemic, an investment in farmers will help to revitalize rural communities and help them prepare for the clean economy of the 21st century, while also protecting or enhancing biodiversity, water quality, and air quality. Read more

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. Read more

Seeds Canada amalgamation plan sidelines independent seed growers

No one can deny the importance of seed – to farmers and agriculture, and also to food security and society at large. The Seed Synergy groups are positioning themselves to not only influence, but replace the public regulator. If Seed Synergy’s amalgamation plans succeed, the independent seed grower will soon be a thing of the past, and democratically accountable public regulation process will be turned inside out, with self-interested corporations regulating farmers instead. Read more

Union Farmer Quarterly: Summer 2020

In this issue … Messages from the Editorial Committee, NFU President Katie Ward (bilingual), Women’s President Coral Sproule and Regional Reports Articles: Catching up with Martha Robbins, new (returning) International Program Coordinator and Darrin Qualman who joins NFU to work on climate change and ag NFU National and Regional Conventions amid COVID-19 (bilingual) The NFU’s work during COVID-19 Read more

COVID emergency funds can help build a more robust food system

The pandemic shines a spotlight on vulnerabilities in our food system, providing the opportunity to use emergency supports to create the foundation for a more robust and resilient food system. Read more

Letter to Ag Minister – NFU request for AgriStablity program changes

COVID-19 is now helping all Canadians to understand the value of a strong family farming sector. We are hopeful that all of government will now take steps to enable Canada’s family farms to thrive and plan for the future. Read more

Union Farmer Newsletter: April 2020

Inside this issue … Public consultation on Canada Grain Act planned – A public review of the Canada Grain Act  is planned from April 1 to June 1, 2020. The consultation will deal with broad areas of policy and vision, with details to be developed in 2020-21 based on stakeholder feedback. Seed lobby sets up pilot Read more