Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers recently met in Vancouver, B.C., on July 18-20 to discuss a number of agricultural issues, including the results of the Business Risk Management (BRM) review that took place over the past year. The ministers heard from an external panel of experts who made a number of recommendations and directed officials to move forward with a plan of action. Rebecca Lee, Executive Director of the Canadian Horticultural Council, is a member of the external review panel who was in Vancouver to make the presentation.
Based on the panel’s report, the ministers have renewed their commitment to improving national BRM programs in partnership with the agriculture sector.
“Risk management tools must serve farmers across the country,” said Lee. “So, we’re happy that the government will continue to work with growers to find solutions to make the programs the best they can be.”
“The Canadian agri-food sector has great potential – it is a strategic national asset,” said Mark Brock, Chair, AgGrowth Coalition. “BRM programs are critical tools for farmers operating in a globally competitive environment. FPT Ministers’ continued commitment to improving those tools is a big deal. For that we say thank you.”
“The work on the BRM review over the past year was successful because of the industry and government partnership” said Jeff Nielsen, Vice Chair, AgGrowth Coalition. “We encourage officials to get down to business without delay and look forward to working with FPT officials on the plan of action to move forward.”
The AgGrowth Coalition advocates for a comprehensive reform of risk management programming. It is comprised of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Grain Growers of Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario, the National Sheep Network, and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
The coalition is working towards comprehensive reform of business risk management programming for Canadian farmers.