Concerns about AgriStability

Not everyone is happy with the lack of action in regards to trade coming out of the recent Ag Ministers meeting in Quebec City.

The AgGrowth Coalition is one of those disappointed groups.

AgGrowth wanted to see more details on AgriStability to provide support to farmers from the impact of escalating global trade volatility.

“The lack of immediate action from Governments in support of farmers leaves Canadian farmers with nothing to rely on to manage global trade risks outside of our control,” said Markus Haerle, chair of the AgGrowth Coalition “Our Coalition will continue to push political leaders across Canada to provide necessary support for farmers to grow our businesses and weather these volatile times.”

The AgGrowth Coalition has set out a four point plan for action that would ensure meaningful support:

• Coverage immediately adjusted to cover losses starting at 85 per cent of historical reference margins with no Reference Margin Limits
• Prioritize discussions on production insurance for livestock and horticulture crops
• Discussions on BRM programming options to be meaningful and focused on program effectiveness rather than funding levels
• The establishment of an industry-government technical working group that allows farm groups to actively participate in BRM data and impact analysis

“Farmers are counting on their Agriculture Ministers to create Business Risk Management (BRM) programming that will work for them in this time of unprecedented uncertainty,” said Chris van de Heuvel, AgGrowth co-chair. “Canada’s Agriculture Ministers need to implement immediate reforms to BRM programming. This investment in the future of Canadian agriculture, a key economic sector, will ensure farmers have access to the support they need.”

“Markets are blocked and prices are falling, and there will be nothing for farmers to rely on if their losses exceed their income,” says Jeff Nielsen, co-chair of AgGrowth. “It is disappointing that the FPT Agriculture Ministers did not take immediate action. “Farmers need a suite of BRM programs that are bankable and predictable to help manage risks outside of their control. And we need it immediately.”