A SUMMARY OF POLICY GOALS:

Marketing Reform: We support an open market for wheat and barley where the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) is free to operate as a voluntary marketing agency.  We also support the creation of a commercial and affordable grain handling and transportation system.

The Environment: We support sustainable agricultural policies that ensure the resource base is maintained for future generations of farmers.   

Trade: We support open and competitive markets, including the elimination of export subsidies, reductions in trade-distorting domestic support measures and reducing tarrrifs and non-tariff barriers that inhibit market access.

Farm Income: Government has a role in helping farmers manage inherent production and revenue risks associated with farming, in order to maintain a safe, healthy and reliable food production system in Canada. We support the development of a farm safety net system that is simple, affordable, flexible, responsive to the needs of individual farmers and consistent with trade obligations.

Biotechnology: We support the development of agricultural innovations that make farmers more profitable. We support Canada’s science-based regulatory approval process for the introduction of novel foods. We believe agronomic and cost of production decisions are the responsibility of farmers, who must be free to decide for themselves whether or not genetically modified (GM) crops suit their own farming operations. Marketing issues surrounding the commercial introduction of GM wheat must be industry-led and not government-imposed.

Regulatory Issues: We support a commercial grain industry that does not impose undue regulatory burdens on either industry participants or farmers. We support efforts to maintain Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain, provided our grain quality assurance system adapts to meet the changing needs of farmers and customers. We support ongoing efforts to harmonize pesticide standards with the U.S. and beyond North America to ensure farmers continue to have access to the newest and safest pesticides.