OTTAWA – Grain farmers from coast to coast are in Ottawa this week for the inaugural National Grain Week, taking place April 17-19 and hosted by Grain Growers of Canada (GGC). Focused on how farmers are using innovation to increase agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025, farmers will be advocating for policies that increase their competitiveness and sustainability.
“There is a lot to celebrate about being a grain farmer right now,” said GGC President, Jeff Nielsen (Olds, AB). “An ambitious trade agenda, investments in science and innovation and the Canadian Agriculture Partnership show that the Government understands that agriculture is made up of hard working middle class Canadians and is a key sector for growth, benefiting the economy as a whole.”
Budget 2017 set out an ambitious goal of reaching $75 billion in agri-food exports that can only be achieved if farmers and government work together. Concrete steps taken to date, most recently through Canada signing on to the CPTPP, show that the Government is serious about helping farmers meet this goal. Other important measures include the revisions to the small business corporate tax proposals, funding to increase exports to Asia in Budget 2018 and the introduction of long-awaited Transportation Modernization Act (Bill C-49).
“Bringing the rural, middle class voices of grain farmers to Ottawa to interact directly with government is crucial to ensuring that we continue to harness the current momentum,” continued Mr. Nielsen. “We look forward to working with all partners in Ottawa to deliver on grain grower priorities such as getting the amended Bill C-49 passed by the House of Commons as quickly as possible.”
Source : Grain Growers of Canada