Perth-Wellington MP John Nater held a roundtable discussion on Nov. 9 on the future of agriculture programs in Canada.
The meeting focused on hearing feedback regarding the strengths of and potential opportunities for improvements to the Growing Forward 2 programs.
Later this fall, Nater said he plans to submit a report to the minister of agriculture and agri-food with recommendations for the Growing Forward 3 policy framework which is set to begin in 2018.
The agriculture stakeholders in attendance provided insight and suggestions on how programs including AgriInnovation, AgriStability, and AgriInsurance can be improved, the MP stated in a press release.
“It is important to hear directly from farmers who make use of these programs” said Nater.
“Too often, bureaucrats at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are disconnected from the realities of today’s farming. We need to hear from industry experts in order to ensure programs reflect the realities of farming today and into the future.”
Nater also listened to their concerns on a variety of topics, including free trade, and the need to increase processing capacity in Ontario.
Farmers and members of the agricultural community unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to share their views by contacting Nater’s offices or by e-mail.
