Canadian ranchers and farmers facing tumultuous times

The world is changing, and Canada has an opportunity to unleash its incredible potential and be a global powerhouse as a reliable, trusted supplier of vital commodities. Now more than ever, it is crucial for Canada to act as a leader and ally and get our agriculture commodities to market to help other countries and kickstart our own economy. From the farm to the plate, Canadian farmers, ranchers and processors devote their lives to providing high quality, world-class products to families in Canada and around the world while playing an integral role in our economy. The agriculture industry has been there to support Canadians throughout the pandemic. However, Canadian ranchers and farmers continue to face tumultuous times with a drought last summer leading to a feed crisis coupled with a crippled supply chain, punishing carbon taxes, skyrocketing fertilizer costs and labour shortages. Right now, we have a Liberal government failing to find solutions to feed shortages, increased input costs, skyrocketing operating costs, trade barriers and more. Unfortunately, it is Canadians who suffer these repercussions, and it is estimated families of four could pay an extra $1,000 to put food on their table. This issue is at top of mind for Canadians and already 60 per cent of families with children under 18 are concerned they might not earn enough money to feed their family. At the same time, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a global food crisis is emerging. The United Nations has already warned of catastrophic hunger as hundreds of millions are facing famine. Canada can help, but not with the current measures and polices in place that are burdening our agriculture production. Instead of removing the obstacles impeding Canadian agriculture the Liberals are actually making matters worse. They are punishing farmers with a punitive carbon tax and additional red tape. Policies such as hiking the carbon tax on April 1, announcing a 30 per cent cap on fertilizer use, and not addressing the deteriorating relationships with our most trusted trading partners, specifically the United States, are devastating Canadian agriculture. It is nonsensical why the Liberals are not fostering and encouraging best practices, investing in research and giving agriculture credit for its world class environmental standards. They should be championing Canadian agri-food businesses rather than dragging them down. The Liberal government may not want to acknowledge the fact Canada is already leading the world in sustainable agriculture. For example, Canada’s beef industry is the single largest protector of 44.2 million acres of endangered native grasslands which stores an estimated 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon, an iconic and important Canadian ecosystem. Without beef production, the threatened native grasslands – the most endangered ecosystem on the planet - are at risk of conversion and at-risk species suffer the consequences. In addition, thanks to innovative practices like precision farming, zero tillage, and 4R nutrient stewardship Canadian farmers lead the world in environmental sustainability and are between 50 and 70 per cent more efficient in fertilizer use than other countries. These achievements and commitment to protecting our water, soil and livestock and reducing emissions should be celebrated and encouraged, not punished with carbon taxes and harmful regulations. In contrast to the Liberal approach, Conservatives will continue to be tireless champions for the Canadian agriculture sector and the innovations and stewardship efforts that inspire this industry to become even stronger, resilient, and prosperous. We will be an advocate for science-based policies, innovation, to developing new markets, and for investments to improve critical infrastructure and supply chains, all to ensure agriculture and agri-food reaches their full potential. Conservative are putting forward solutions like Bill C-234, to exempt farms fuels from the Liberal carbon tax. We will continue to be an advocate, a champion, and an ally for our agriculture industry. Conservative MP John Barlow, who has represented Foothills, Alta., since 2015, is also his party's official critic for agriculture, agri-food and food security. The Hill Times