With the arrival of each year comes new resolutions, goals and optimism for the year ahead. This year is no exception — even on the heels of very challenging times for beef farmers and ranchers in 2021. Since day one on the job almost two years ago, it seems adversity has been at our doorstep, but we have accomplished much to the benefit of our industry, and I still believe we can help support Canada’s post-pandemic recovery. However, we do need the proper tools to bring our proposed solutions to fruition.
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Collaboration continues to be the key ingredient in developing workable policy solutions that we can take to government to help mitigate the impacts of the challenges facing our sector as they arise. In 2020, I spoke a great deal about how stakeholders from across our industry and the broader agriculture sector mobilized to navigate and mitigate the pandemic’s impact. The same holds for 2021 — by working together we were able to inform both federal and provincial levels of government on the type of support needed by beef producers affected by devastating droughts and wildfires. We are also engaged in supporting beef farmers and ranchers in B.C. dealing with flooding, alongside the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, and assessing the supply chain impacts on producers and the broader industry across Canada.
Now that the 44th Parliament is in session, we are meeting with parliamentarians of all stripes again. In early December, it was great to be back on the Hill for in-person meetings and events to better understand the priorities of the current government and the opposition parties, as well as provide insights into how our priorities can support their goals and policies.
Of course, Canada’s economic recovery and climate change are top of mind, as well as the next Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) set to launch in 2023. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is working hard to bring strong recommendations forward. As negotiations on the next APF proceed, we hope that a forward-looking framework is developed with an increased funding envelope and policies designed to foster a competitive business environment as well as tackle climate change impacts.
Since the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in November, I’ve reflected on the discussions, outcomes and our next steps in sharing our story and recommendations with the federal and provincial levels of government. It’s no surprise that the environment and climate change were key topics of discussion at this meeting. Conversations are now happening in agriculture policy circles on how to best weave environmental aspects into the next APF, as well as how to improve economic resiliency and attract more investment to industry research and innovation.
To help secure our recovery, growing and expanding market access for Canadian beef remains a high priority for us. We continue to push for removal of trade-limiting restrictions on Canadian beef, whether it’s remaining BSE restrictions for specified risk materials or addressing aspects of the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement with the European Union.
Over the last number of years, the Canadian beef industry has increased efforts to share its stewardship story. We have the unique ability to deliver significant environmental services including carbon storage and sequestration, wildlife habitat preservation and flood resiliency. As government policies and the next APF are developed, it is critical that policymakers recognize that agriculture — and particularly beef production — play a significant role in meeting our climate change goals. Equally important is that environmental policies resonate with cattle farmers and ranchers as much as they do with government and the public. We also need to ensure that our story is heard and that we are an active partner in policy consultations to avoid unintended environmental consequences, as well as any potential impacts to the profitability and sustainability of our industry.
Increasing investment into research and innovation is another pivotal policy consideration, as advancements in this area enhance our competitive ability while supporting our stewardship and conservation efforts. Addressing the agriculture ministers in November on this topic was a great avenue to begin discussions on our research priorities including renewing the Agri-Science Clusters and Projects programs, encouraging industry and government applied research collaboration and the need for predictable, long-term research funding commitments for basic and applied research streams to help attract additional investments from the private sector.
We also cannot forget the importance of having sufficiently funded business risk management programs that are as market- and production-neutral as possible and delivered consistently across Canada. There are many risks beyond our control and having effective and equitable safety net programs can be the difference for many farmers, ranchers and feeders getting through inevitable difficult times. This is particularly true for our younger producers who represent the future of Canadian agriculture.
We look forward to working with our industry stakeholders and Parliamentarians to move our priorities forward, creating a win-win-win, for beef producers, Canada’s economy and our environment. There are likely more tough days ahead, but with hard work and perseverance, we can make positive things happen for our industry. This work ahead won’t be easy, but anything worth fighting for never is.
Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2022!
