AGgrowth Coalition still seeking comprehensive BRM review

2017-05-11

AGgrowth Coalition still seeking comprehensive BRM review

Canadian farm leaders look for commitment under Next Policy Framework

GUELPH, ON (May 11, 2017) – Canada’s AGgrowth Coalition is disappointed that federal and provincial governments have not yet made a clear commitment to undertake a comprehensive review of business risk management (BRM) for Canadian farmers, but look forward to continued dialogue with governments across Canada on a path forward.

On Tuesday, May 9 the AGgrowth Coalition met with Minister MacAulay to share a collective request for a review of business risk management programs. While the Coalition hoped that yesterday’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) meetings to discuss Canada’s agriculture policy framework would result in a clear commitment to this comprehensive review, it remains unclear whether a BRM review will in fact be part of the Next Policy Framework.

“The lack of a clear commitment from the FPT table suggests that we as farm groups need to continue our work with government in driving towards comprehensive modernization of our BRM programs, ensuring they keep pace with the 21st century business of farming – this isn’t about new money, it’s about more effective use of the existing funds allocated for risk management,” says Mark Brock, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

“Farmers are frustrated with the current state of risk management and want to see government and industry work together to find the right fit” says Jack Froese, President, Canadian Canola Growers Association. “Agriculture, like every sector, is continually changing and adapting to remain competitive and sustainable. A comprehensive review of BRM programs just makes sense to ensure risk management programs are meeting the changing needs of farmers.”

The AGgrowth Coalition was formed in January 2017 to ensure business risk management was properly addressed in Canada’s agriculture policy framework. The Coalition has requested a comprehensive review of national business risk management programs to determine the most effective way to maximize investment and growth in agriculture with the existing funds, stressing that this must not prevent the April 1st implementation of the broader policy framework in 2018. “We continue to hear from farmers across Canada that current business risk management programs are not providing the signals that support farmer decisions around investment and growth,” says Ron Bonnett, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “We know there are significant opportunities in agriculture, as both the recent Dominic Barton report and federal budget have indicated. In order to seize these opportunities, farmers need effective risk management.”

“Solid risk management is needed to help farmers navigate the risks that are beyond their control, while also providing a foundation to make the investments required for continued success,” says Alvin Keenan, President of the Canadian Horticulture Council. The AGgrowth Coalition will continue to make a case for a comprehensive review of risk management as part of the plan to ensure a strong, prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.