Conservatives will invest an additional $500 million in farm support programs
CHATHAM – Conservative Leader Stephen Harper today announced that a Conservative government will replace the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS) with a new income stabilization program, and introduce a separate disaster relief program, adding $500 million a year to farm support programs. A Conservative government will also require five per cent renewable content such as ethanol and biodiesel in gasoline and diesel fuels by 2010.
“The Conservative Party cares deeply about agriculture because this party has deep roots throughout rural Canada,” Harper said. “Standing up for Canada means standing up for a strong, vibrant farm sector that provides security of income to families dependent on farming, and food security for Canadian families.”
A Conservative government will:
- Replace CAIS with separate farm income stabilization and disaster relief programs. The new income stabilization program will be a simpler, more responsive program that properly addresses the cost of production, market revenue, and inventory evaluation. The federal government should be ready to pitch in when disaster strikes, funding disaster relief separately, above and beyond its income stabilization program;
- Commit an additional $500 million annually to farm support programs;
- Continue with the $755 million in emergency assistance to grain and oilseed producers announced on November 23, 2005, and ensure that this money reaches farmers as quickly as possible;
- Ensure that agricultural industries that choose to operate under domestic supply management remain viable. Canada needs efficient production planning, market-based returns to producers, and predictable imports to operate domestic supply management systems;
- Give western grain farmers the freedom to make their own marketing and transportation decisions. Western grain farmers should be able to participate voluntarily in the Canadian Wheat Board;
- Defend Canada’s agricultural sectors when negotiating international trade agreements. A Conservative government will seek better market access for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products in foreign markets. We will support the phased reduction of all trade-distorting barriers and the rapid elimination of all agriculture export subsidies. We will pursue strong, rules-based trade liberalization in conjunction with all other countries that are members of the World Trade Organization;
- Implement a Green Cover Crop Program to protect prairie farmers. Severe flooding in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba has adversely affected the opportunity for farmers to harvest their normal crop. A Green Crop Cover Program will create a compensation fund for farmers facing crop damage caused by severe flooding; and
- Require 5 per cent average renewable content in Canadian gasoline and diesel fuel, such as ethanol and biodiesel, by 2010.
“Canadians will choose between a Conservative plan with committed support for farming and farm families, and Liberal indifference to rural Canada,” said Harper.
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For more information: Conservative Party Press Office (613) 755-2191
