QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
Challenges Faced by Farmers
May 8, 2024
Senator Gold, the message from the agricultural sector in news headlines in the past few weeks has been very clear: From the Canadian Federation of Agriculture: “CFA Disappointed with Lack of Agriculture in Federal Budget 2024.”
From the Grain Growers of Canada: “Budget 2024 Falls Short of Providing Critical Investments for Grain Farmers.”
From the Wheat Growers Association: “Failing Grade for an Out of Touch Federal Budget.”
The 2024 federal budget lacks comprehensive support in crucial areas for our farming communities. Notably absent are updates to the Canada Grain Act; investments in grain-related research and development; funding around the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, or PMRA; and extensions to programs, such as the extended rail interswitching pilot. Other concerns include capital gains issues and intergenerational farm transfers.
My question is but one: How does the government plan to address the specific challenges faced by farmers, such as the impact of tax changes on intergenerational farm transfers and the ongoing effects of the carbon tax on agricultural operations?
Thank you for your question, senator. The government will continue to support our farmers. Recently, the government allocated $219 million through the AgriRecovery framework to support farmers and ranchers in Western Canada who are dealing with extraordinary costs due to drought conditions and wildfires.
Producers can also apply for interim payments through AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges. Producers have access to a comprehensive suite of business risk management programs, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest. The government also has AgPal to search for programs and resources to help with business management, farming, innovation and community support.
