Farmers remain one of the most trusted groups according to a recent public opinion poll.
Marilyn Braun Pollen with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says in the poll farmers well ahead of government, unions and large companies...
“The good news is that farmers and small businesses are at the top of the list. Ninety-six percent of Canadians saying they respect business owners the most and so that's a good news story, and that's why Ag ministers need to listen to farmers' concerns.”
She notes when it comes to issues of concern the Federal Carbon Tax remains a significant competitive challenge for farmers.
“We've been hearing from producers about the significant cost of the carbon tax and the impact to their bottom line. So that's why we're calling for exemptions for farmers that should be extended to include natural gas and propane, that's used for drying grain and heating poultry or dairy facilities. You know when farmers have been impacted by, you know trade disputes and a delayed harvest the last thing they need is an additional cost to dry their grain.”
Another key area of concern is market access, she says, increased market access is one of the best ways that governments can help improve business competitiveness and reduce the risk for farmers.
CFIB recently sent a letter to Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau outlining the policies that will ensure Canadian agri-businesses succeed.
CFIB Farm Members’ Policy Priorities to Improve their Overall Competitiveness:
- Federal Carbon Tax: Exemptions for farmers should be extended to include natural gas and propane that is used for drying grain and heating poultry or dairy facilities.
- Trade and Export: All FPT governments need to focus on improving market access for Canadian agricultural products.
- Regulation and Paperburden: All levels of government need to continue to reduce the burden of red tape on farmers so they have more time to grow and expand their business.
- Business Risk Management (BRM) programs: Ensure programs are transparent, timely and predictable.
- Intergenerational Farm Transfer: Make it easier for farmers and all small businesses to transfer or sell their business to a family member. She says farm and business succession is an urgent issue across the country.
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