Family farms vital for a smart economy and strong rural communities
OTTAWA - A healthy agricultural sector is a key element of a smarter economy, according to the Green Party of Canada’s platform. Today, Green Party Agriculture Critic Kate Storey participated in the national agriculture debate, hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).
“Keeping food production local ensures our food is safe and high quality, it ensures our communities are supported, and it ensures a stable and secure food supply,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “Independent family farms are the bedrock of our agricultural system and should be supported with programs structured to encourage more farms and more farmers instead of promoting corporate concentration.”
Greens are also advocating a move away from subsidizing costly agro-chemicals, industrial food production and genetically modified (GMO) crops. The Green Party would cut all federal biotech funding to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and ten percent of funding (the amount going to GMO biotech) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the National Research Council (NRC).
“Tomorrow’s markets will have an even greater demand for local, organic products. The Green Party would provide funding for farmers making the transition to organic farming to take advantage of this rapidly growing market,” said May.
Canadians have the right to safe, nutritious and locally-produced food, with an inspection system that they can trust. The Green Party favours a sustainable farm economy which rewards the farm family for quality food, supports local marketing, protects the domestic food supply and respects the soil, water and air on which our economy and our health depend.
“Without our farmers, we don’t eat. It is that basic,” said May. “These are real people doing real jobs that matter.”
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Contact:
Kieran Green
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
613-614-4916
Kieran.green@greenparty.ca
