Farmers feeling whiplash from program cuts
For many, dairy products are a staple and an integral part of our everyday diets.
Without hesitation, a consumer purchases his favourite product, takes it home and may think nothing else of its origin.
But the dairy farm community has begun to feel a bit of whiplash from the federal government, according to Liberal MP Frank Valeriote of Guelph, who visited Bradford Deputy Mayor Rob Keffer May 15 at his family-run Trielm dairy farm in Bradford.
Mr. Valeriote, who expressed enthusiasm, interest and knowledge about general agricultural issues, walked the grounds with Mr. Keffer and guests as they toured the area.
The Keffer family is feeling the downside many dairy farmers face due to recent cutbacks in research development, the MP said.
“A total of 675 jobs have recently been cut from our innovation. The University of Guelph is in shock, as some of the top researchers have been cut and are now going to the United States where they’re needed,†Mr. Valeriote said.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the agricultural community in Canada, as the loss of such jobs will make a noticeable indent on the quality, distribution and overall development of dairy products in the future, he added.
As Mr. Valeriote and Mr. Keffer mentioned during the meeting, a lack of Canadian researchers will affect not only dairy farmers, but also the private research sector of agriculture, student recruitment for colleges and universities, the overall consumer-based product and national scientists who work closely with provincial researchers.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY
A five-year strategy developed by Ottawa, more commonly known as Growing Forward — a federal, provincial and territorial initiative providing $1.3 billion for the agriculture and agri-food industry — was initially a reassurance to farmers that the proper support and backbone needed to maintain their businesses would be provided.
“They’re going backwards now. (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper is trying to push everything into the private industry,†Mr. Valeriote said.
To top things off, he said of $450 million has been cut from the Growing Forward strategy business risk management program, which supports the skills development of agricultural producers through cost-shared activities for training to enhance the viability of the farm operation.
Since the program’s establishment, it has provided funding for low-income farmers, especially those affected by market fluctuation.
Now, with millions of dollars gone and numerous job losses in recent months, farmers are scrambling to find more innovative ways of running their facilities.
Midland dairy farmer Andy Robinson, who travelled to the farm just to speak with the MP, says he isn’t looking forward to the repercussions headed their way.
“I don’t feel too good about this, as any other farmer is probably feeling right now. They’re throwing good money out the window. There’s so many things they’ve researched and it benefits us in the long run,†he said.
“There are going to be a lot of changes coming our way.â€
Source: Simcoe