What about agriculture this election? NFU Election Toolkit 2011

I received this very worthwhile email today from the National Farmers Union. Thought it was worth sharing!

Where do your candidates and their parties stand on key farm issues? Are people in your community aware of agriculture issues when they decide who to vote for? Here are some questions you can use on the doorstep, on the phone, in public forums, in the media and in conversations with your neighbours. You may also want to organize a public forum where candidates can present their positions and ideas and voters can ask them questions. A guide for organizing a public forum is included at the end of this document.

Election Day is May 2, 2011. See the Elections Canada website for information about voting http://www.elections.ca .This site may be particularly useful for young people voting for the first time.

When speaking with candidates please feel free to choose any or all of these questions, and to add other questions that you are particularly interested in or that strongly affect your area. For more detailed information about most of these issues you can visit the National Farmers Union website and look for the relevant brief at http://nfu.ca/briefs.html

Questions for Parties and Candidates

Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

Canada is one step away from legalizing the sale and production of genetically engineered alfalfa. If it becomes a registered seed variety it would become part of our agriculture system. Presently conventional and organic farmers have 200 alfalfa varieties to choose from, but once GE alfalfa is released they will become contaminated. It is certain that the introduction of GE alfalfa would have serious negative impacts on organic farming as well as on domestic and export livestock markets. Would you support a moratorium on the release of GE alfalfa Canada?

Young Farmers

What specific actions would you/your party take to support young farmers to enter farming and succeed as farmers? Canada has lost almost 80,000 farms since 1988 and has 70% fewer young farmers. There are no incentives for young people to enter farming. The NFU Youth recommends a federally-funded small loans program specifically for new farmers which is implemented by local lending institutions and/or rural municipalities; a Land Bank or Land Trust system of tenure that guarantees a fair price to the seller, while offering new farmers affordable conditions of purchase; and a lower cap of $500,000 on federal support programs to ensure more support goes to the most vulnerable farmers. Do you think support for young and new farmers is needed? And if so, what form should these programs take?

Labelling of Food

Canadian consumers want to know what they are buying at the grocery store and they would like to support their farmer neighbours when they purchase food. Canadian farmers do not want unfair competition from products that are produced using lower standards than what is allowed in Canada. Mandatory labelling of foods made with genetically modified organisms and criteria for Product of Canada labelling are of particular concern.

What would you do about labelling in order to support Canadian family farmers?Foreign Ownership of Farmland

Foreign and corporate investors are increasingly looking at Canadian farmland as an investment for providing a return to their shareholders from renting out the land or speculating on the land values and/or for growing food for to provide for residents of their own country as a hedge against food shortages due to climate change. If these investments continue Canadians stand to lose control of our farmland and the price of land could rise out of reach of family farmers.

What specific actions would you party take to ensure that Canada’s farmland does not end up under foreign ownership?

Supply Management

Supply management was established 40 years ago for dairy, chicken, turkey and eggs is a necessary tool for farmers to be able to obtain a fair return from the marketplace for their product. Supply management is under pressure from other countries and large corporation that would like to see these products traded globally on the open market allowing them access to Canada’s market and driving down prices to farmers.

What is your position on supply management?

One issue dairy farmers presently experience is certain amounts of off-shore dairy products and milk ingredients which are produced (with BST, possible inhibitors levels and coming from non CQM farms) and which do not meet Canadian regulations are allowed to enter Canada.

Would you support improved boarder controls to prevent importation of dairy products that do not comply with Canadian regulations?

Canada – Europe Free Trade

The federal and provincial governments are presently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union. CETA adds precautionary seizure provisions to intellectual property rights’ enforcement. Farmers accused of having a patented gene in their crops or seed could lose their farms, crops, equipment and cash – simply for alleged infringement. CETA would also forbid all government entities from favouring local or domestic businesses. A government that wanted to support local agriculture by promoting local food would not be able to implement a policy favouring government purchasing of local food over imported food, subject to certain thresholds.

Are you aware of this proposed trade agreement? What is your position on how it will or will not benefit Canada's farmers?

Canadian Wheat Board

The Canadian Wheat Board is Canada’s single desk seller of wheat and barley on the export market. Farmers have consistently elected a majority of farmer directors who support maintaining the CWB as the sole marketer of Canadian wheat and barley. The CWB ensures that the full price of the grain it sells is returned to the farmer, and prevents farmers from being subject to wild price fluctuations due to speculation in the grain trade. In spite of strong, consistent and widespread support among farmers, the Canadian Wheat Board has been subject to attack by interests that would like to see it weakened or destroyed.

What is your position on the role of the Canadian Wheat Board in Canada?

Potato Research

PVY type of viruses are having a huge negative impact on seed potato growers in Atlantic Canada. In other countries, in the US for example, specialized research is taking place to try to get a handle on this. In Canada, this issue is not receiving the attention it deserves. Would you call for effective and timely PVY virus research to be done in Canada?

National Food Policy

Two and a half million Canadians regularly have trouble putting food on the table, thousands of family farms are disappearing every year, the environment is being pushed to the limit, a quarter of Canadians are obese, and Canada is the only G8 country without a nationally-funded school meal program. Increasingly both rural and urban, farmers and consumers are recognizing the need for an integrated food policy to effectively address these serious problems. What steps will your party take towards developing and implementing a food policy reflects the realities of the average Canadian and not just corporations and industry?

Food Processing Infrastructure

With the challenges of climate change and rising oil prices, Canadians want more of our food produced in Canada and within their own regions. In order to make that happen we need to rebuild local food processing. Such infrastructure will revitalize rural, remote and small communities. At the same time, food inspection rules need to be appropriate for smaller scale facilities.

What will you do to support family farms and rural communities by rebuilding the small and medium size food processing sector, so that we can process our food here in Canada?

Agriculture and Environment

Agriculture may well be the sector most affected by climate change, as our success depends so much on the weather. Farmers will need to adapt to climate change and can also help mitigate. The Environmental Farm Plan is a federal/provincial cost-shared program that provides support for farmers to make changes on their farms that are good for the environment. Most of the costs for the changes are covered by the farmer, but the EFP provides some critical financial support. However this program could be expanded both in the kinds of action it supports as well as the amount of money devoted to it. Would you support adding more options to the EFP? Would you support increasing the total funding for the program?

Party policies/platform planks available and/or relevant to farming:

Bloc Quebecois

http://www.blocquebecois.org/dossiers/campagne-2011/documents/EnoncePolitique- Anglais.pdf Platform in English

Conservative http://www.conservative.ca/policy/platform_2011/ Policy document

Green http://greenparty.ca/node/13312 Agriculture and Food policy http://greenparty.ca/node/13313 Genetically Engineered Organisms http://greenparty.ca/node/13331 Agriculture and Climate Change

Liberal http://www.liberal.ca/platform/ Overall platform http://www.liberal.ca/issues/rural-canada/ Rural issues http://cdn2.liberal.ca/files/2010/07/foodpolicy_e.pdf Food policy

New Democrat http://www.ndp.ca/platform Overall platform

Growing Food in Niagara-How things change in 14 years : PART I: The journey there

When I quite my career as a social worker to begin a new one selling organic vegetables some 14 years ago, I saw it as a way of simplifying and de-stressing my life. 


Growing and gardening for me was a way of getting back to my roots.  I've never been a city girl, a pretty girl or a flitty girl.  I like country, farms, soil, animals and all the reality of it.  Putting a seed in the ground and seeing a miracle happen.


I met a lot of wonderful people as a social worker, no question about it.  But "helping" people who don't necessarily want to be helped while trying to work within an bureaucratic organization full of red tape, 
requiring reams of paperwork to prove accountability (and cover my ass and that of the agency) was not my ideal situation.  Add to that the stress of having children whom I liked under my charge committing suicide, break the law, run away, require frequent court appearances, be sexually assaulted, sexually assault others, prostitute, attempt murder...never a dull moment. I was also physically attacked and had my life threatened.  But...the pay was good.

On the farm.... (l-r)   me, dad, Muff , sister

When my dad died in 1997 from an infection he had acquired in hospital while on the mend from a heart attack, my world was literally turned upside down. Dad was my advice giver, my supporter...my rock, really.


 As if it was yesterday, I can remember him saying to me, "Linda, I have no regrets. If I die, throw me on the manure pile.  I've had a wonderful life.  But you'd better be doing exactly what you want to be doing now. Don't have regrets."


As a single parent at the time, "the agency" gave me little support.  When my Emily had a rash of health problems requiring hospitalizations, I had to take vacation time.  Once my supervisor even came to the hospital to make sure I was there.  This considering all my performance reviews were exceptional.


As a grieving daughter when my dad died, again the agency did nothing to support me.  On my first days back to work after my dad's memorial service, I attended a meeting which included the agency director.  He said nothing to me, a 12 year veteran at the time, about the loss of my dad.  No "sorry to hear of your loss", no, well....anything.  I thought that was just an act of human decency.


The job I was working at was quickly becoming my regret.


It clicked into place pretty quickly where I stood.  Yes, I got a paycheque. I had bought and paid for my little house. But I was a good worker, went the extra mile.  Was respected and liked by people I worked with, by workers I dealt with in other agencies, by the kids I worked with, and generally their parents too. 


But the reality that this meant little to agency was the reality check I needed. My buddy left that meeting with me early to offer me her shoulder and I knew the end was in site.  I was stressed out from the job, grieving the loss of my much loved dad and very, very clear about what I personally was sacrificing to get that paycheque. 


Quite simply, too much. 


I quit about a year later, when I had already begun growing and selling organic veggies on my "veggie route."


I didn't want another social work job.  I didn't want to sit in an office.  I didn't see my Social Work degree as a waste, because it brought me to where I was. Also I loved university. Just loved it.  But it was time to move on, and for me growing and selling vegetables was a natural.  I was a farm girl, through and through.


(Tomorrow- My experience selling vegetables the first 10 years: Not local, but grown here, and organic!)

Can this be? "NO GM WHEAT RESEARCH SAYS NRC"

Get the word out!  Yippee!

No GM Wheat research, says National Research Council.

Many people were rightfully alarmed to see media stories on April 3 reporting that the National Research Council was going to start research into GM wheat. The National Research Council has sent CBAN as statement to declare that they will NOT be pursuing GM Wheat research. 

The reporter who wrote the story made assumptions that the type of research referred to in the memo was GM because of the language used, but the National Farmers Union and CBAN investigated and has secured a commitment that the NRC will not be researching GM Wheat. More information including the full statement from NRC is posted at http://www.cban.ca/wheat Please see below today's press release. Please know that CBAN works with groups across Canada and around the world to monitor the industry push for GM Wheat. Thank you for your ongoing concern and action.

PRESS RELEASE

Canada’s National Research Council Disavows GM Wheat

Thursday, April 7, 2011. Yesterday, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) issued a statement to clarify that it has no plans to research genetically modified (GM) wheat.

NRC now states, “GM wheat is not an objective of the NRC wheat program. We will be developing a number of tools that will be used to reduce the breeding cycle, increase yield and adapt to climate stresses. GM varieties are not contemplated at this time.” The statement was issued in response to media stories of April 3 that reported on a leaked memo from the government research agency.

“NRC has finally recognized what everyone but Monsanto understands: that GM wheat is unacceptable to farmers and consumers,” said Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network.

Genetically modified crops are created through recombinant DNA technology (also called genetic engineering or transgenics), introducing genes from other species.

In 2004, Monsanto withdrew requests for government approval of its herbicide tolerant GM wheat in Canada and the US because of widespread farmer and consumer protest in both countries, and around the world. However, Monsanto re-launched research into GM wheat in 2009 and the biotechnology industry is now engaged in a new public relations campaign in favour of GM wheat.

Monsanto’s new plans for GM wheat are, however, meeting the same strong objections that defeated the company’s product in 2004. The Premier of Australia’s largest wheat growing state recently panned GM wheat, and Japanese flour companies continue to say that they will refuse to process GM wheat. In early 2010, 233 groups from 26 countries restated their opposition to GM wheat.

“Wheat improvements can and must happen without the use of transgenics. GM wheat would spell disaster for Canada’s wheat growers, just as GM alfalfa now threatens farmers across the country,” said Terry Boehm, President of the National Farmers Union in Canada.

“The costs to farmers from the GM flax contamination fiasco would pale in comparison to what would happen if GM wheat was introduced,” said Arnold Taylor, a grain farmer with the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate. GM flax was developed with public funds through the University of Saskatchewan and registered in Canada over the objections of flax farmers who succeeded in removing the GM flax from the market in 2001. In late 2009, Canadian flax exports to 36 countries were found contaminated with the GM flax, resulting in shut markets and economic loses to farmers.

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For more information: Lucy Sharratt, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, 613 241 2267 ext. 25; Terry Boehm, National Farmers Union, 306 652 9465, Arnold Taylor, Saskatchewan Organic Directorate, 306 252 2783, cell 306 561 7788.

Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator

Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) 

Collaborative Campaigning for Food Sovereignty and Environmental Justice 

431 Gilmour Street, Second Floor 

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2P 0R5 

Phone: 613 241 2267 ext. 25

Fax: 613 241 2506 

coordinator@cban.ca 

www.cban.ca

Support the Moratorium on GM Alfalfa! Take action at http://www.cban.ca/alfalfa

Donate today to support the campaign! http://www.cban.ca/donate

Subscribe to the CBAN News and Action Listserve http://www.cban.ca/About/CBAN-e-News

"No Guff Gardening", no guff!

I felt exceptionally lucky when organizing our 2011 Niagara Seedy Saturday event.


I was looking for a really special speaker who could bring a little bit more to the event.


After being turned down by two very kind, but busy food-type authors,  I was led to Stephen Biggs.


I was a bit leery after having been turned down twice, albeit for very good reasons.  I can't tell you when Stephen returned my initial email with a positive response how relieved and delighted I was. 


And of course even more delighted when he came and spoke about growing figs and currants.  People were very enthused with his presentation and knowledge, and of course his kind donation of fig trees for door prizes.  


I was so pleased to receive an email from Stephen a few days ago saying his book "No Guff Gardening", a collaboration with  Donna Balzac, fellow garden educator is hot off the press. 


Although I haven't read the book yet, I have ordered it online, and am really excited to check it out.  Perhaps you would like to too.  The advance reviews are great, and I will leave you with this review from the Gabriola Sounder News (BC) as an introduction.

No Guff Gardening - the review Susan Yates Book Review Monday, March 28 2011 Occasionally in a librarian’s life (retired or otherwise), a book will arrive that causes immediate bibliomania. A book that is so different, so appealing, and upon reading it, so completely perfect, that it must be shown with great excitement to everyone who loves books. Last week I was in the Gabriola library and that is exactly what happened. Being an experienced biblionut I knew as soon as I saw No Guff Vegetable Gardening that I had to have it – for myself, for my children, my friends, for every book lover (and gardener) I could think of. Mariko and Bryan McCrae of Feedlot Studios, whom I know as artists in our community, were showing a hot-off-the-press copy of No Guff Vegetable Gardening to the librarian when I saw it, and almost grabbed it out of their hands. Mariko’s extraordinary art is part of the book’s immediate appeal, and the amazing blending of text, art and photographs is one of Bryan’s special graphic design talents. I asked Bryan and Mariko if I could take the book to Volume One in Duncan, a great independent bookstore where I purchase most of the new books I buy for family and friends. Off I went, along with my gardening guru older daughter, who dived into No Guff as soon as we got on the ferry. “Mum, this book is so funny, and it has really good advice, too!” was her first comment. Needless to say, the book got immediate thumbs up from the knowledgeable staff at Volume One. Next stop was the Sounder to see if I could review the book so that readers who haven’t yet seen No Guff Vegetable Gardening will find it sooner rather than later. Here are the reasons you must look at this wonderful book: 1. The appearance (yes, the cover does matter!). The book is beautiful in every way – layout, design, cover, illustrations, photographs, print and binding. And I already mentioned the significance of two local artists being the reason for the book’s visual appeal. It will sit beside Katherine Gordon’s The Garden That You Are (the last book that gave me bibliomania) in my house, and emanate happiness. 2. The topic. Yes, there are lots of good gardening books, but this one is written by two very experienced gardeners who don’t always agree. And that makes for some very interesting and informative gardening advice. That takes us to number 3: 3. The authors. Donna Balzer is an expert horticulturist who writes for magazines and the Calgary Herald. Her television show Bugs & Blooms has been popular for a long time, and she has answered garden questions for CBC radio in Calgary for 20 years. Steven Biggs is a horticultural science graduate who lives in Toronto, where he runs a gardening advice website and an e-zine, Homegrown in Toronto. He’s known as “Cousin Chlorophyll” to friends and family, and he loves to engage children in gardening while giving no-nonsense advice about growing food. The Biggs and Balzer duo have gardened from Montreal to Qualicum Beach, and their combined experience reveals that there is more than one way to slice a tomato! 4. The wealth of gardening information. The book is crammed with practical advice, and it really is “no guff” – easy to understand and a lot of fun to read. 5. The humour. What could be more planet improving than gardens and zany humour together? This book has everything from scallions in kilts to bus-riding transplants. Helpful bunnies are everywhere – masked, bibbed, hula-hooping, spade-wielding. It probably goes without saying that our local library will soon have copies of No Guff Vegetable Gardening, but if you want to see a copy right now go to Artworks...it’s there, along with all the other beautiful things that remind us how artists and writers create magic and joy. Stephen is going to be sending along some books for me to sell on his behalf if you would like to check it out . It can be purchased also directly from the publisher via Stephen and Donna's website www.GardenCoachesChat.com   If you like the idea of a gardening book that shows more than one way to do things, this could be for you!  Headlines