To the Editor:
The Grain Growers of Canada will be hanging out their stocking this year with a small wish list attached.
We've made up our list, we've checked it twice, and we know who's been naughty and nice.
In the nice column over the last year, we'd like to recognize Minister Ritz for prioritizing market access for our farmers and we would also like to thank Liberals Scott Brison and Martha Hall Findlay for their strong support of recent trade agreements that will help Canadian farmers.
Last spring, we wrote the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food about paying more attention to witnesses and were pleased to see MP's really listening and minimizing blackberrys. But Santa should still bring some mouth-guards so some of them could safely bite their tongues rather than make smart remarks that start arguments unnecessarily.
In the naughty column, we think Santa should avoid the MPs who support Bill 474. Chasing away research dollars for new crops and traits will quickly put our farmers at a disadvantage.
There are two issues coming, and we are not sure which column they will land. The Rail Service Review Committee is turning in its final report soon and there are sustainability initiatives starting up all over the place. Both of them could be good, or both could potentially be costly to farmers.
Finally, the CWB elections had a low turnout of farmers. No matter where you stand, Santa should put a lump of coal in your stocking for not exercising your democratic right to vote.
On the Grain Growers wish list for all farmers this year is:
A safe season for you and your family
More research and innovation for cereals, oilseeds and pulses
Science-based decision making
A successful Canada - EU trade deal
Safety Nets that work when needed
The 80,000 successful Canadian grain, oilseed and pulse producers affiliated with the Grain Growers of Canada would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Richard Phillips, Executive Director, Grain Growers of Canada.
