OTTAWA – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture wants immediate changes to Canada’s programs to protect farmers from income and production losses amid ongoing trade disruptions.
The group says trade issues and erratic weather have negatively affected farmer incomes this year, and changes to the government’s business risk management programs are needed to respond to the changing environment.
It highlights the AgriStability program, which provides support to farmers experiencing a large profit decline.
The CFA wants the program’s margin coverage restored to 85 per cent — up 15 per cent from the current 70 per cent — among other things.
The group says many Canadian farmers are experiencing difficulties, including canola and soybean producers, who are impacted by the ongoing dispute between Canada and China.
China blocked imports of canola seeds over allegations of pests found in shipments shortly after Canada detained a Chinese tech executive who is facing possible extradition to the U.S.