March 29, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the creation of a Prime
Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Future Opportunities in Farming. Building on
the government’s record of achievement in ensuring that the Canadian
agriculture and agri-food sector can compete and succeed in the 21st century,
the Task Force will consult with and learn from farmers, processors and other
stakeholders and experts in studying and assessing the long term opportunities
and challenges facing the farm economy.
"The Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector is integral to our high
standard of living and unmatched quality of life," said the Prime Minister.
" Our farmers and processors provide Canadians and customers worldwide with
high quality, safe food. I am delighted that our Caucus is taking the initiative
to look at what action our government can take that will assist our farmers and
farming communities for the long term."
The Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Future Opportunities in Farming
will consider the following points:
The effectiveness and future direction of safety net programs;
Farm products that can attract a premium price (e.g., organic products,
and pulse crops such as peas, lentils, beans, and chickpeas);
Rural economic opportunities more generally, especially opportunities for
value added agri-food activities; and,
Opportunities for farm operations to contribute to a healthy environment
and increase Canadians’ confidence in food safety.
The Task Force will consider the strategies of other countries, including
those with and without high subsidies, as well as the domestic situation. It
will be supported with briefings on agriculture science, trade and market
opportunities, environmental issues and statistics on our domestic situation.
The Task Force will deliver a final report to the Prime Minister by September
2002.
