Published April 18, 2024

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Both national and provincial farming groups were unimpressed with the federal government’s budget unveiled in the House of Commons on April 16, expressing disappointment in the lack of support and investment for Canadian farmers.

“While we understand there are competing priorities for government funds, with erratic weather and high prices tremendously increasing the risk profile of Canadian agriculture, the government can ill-afford to ignore food production and Canadian farmers,” said Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

“The responsibility to help the agricultural sector does not fall solely on provincial governments,” said Martin Caron, president of the Union des producteurs agricoles. “Inflation, increased production costs and debt affect all farms across the county. It is, therefore, up to the Canadian government to go beyond its usual participation in financing federal and provincial programs.”

The absence of support measures linked to the government’s own recently launched Sustainable Agriculture Strategy was particularly disappointing, the UPA said.

“If Canadian agriculture is to seize its full economic and climate potential, we cannot keep missing opportunities while our international competitors continue to invest in their agriculture industries,” Currie added.

The CFA pointed to a few positive items mentioned in the latest budget, including carbon rebates for small businesses and maintaining the government’s previously announced funding for temporary improvements to the Advance Payments Program, a plan to access funds on the value of eligible agricultural products that a producer will produce or has in storage.

In a statement, the CFA said it was pleased the government increased the lifetime capital gains exemption, a tool it described as “critical” in supporting intergenerational farm transfers. However, the organization that represents farmers across the country said it will take some time to assess the impact this change will have.

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