Politics – Agriculture’s Biggest Threat

Governments in the last two years have side stepped the regular processes for implementing new laws in dealing with COVID. This is understandable since the world was facing a BLACK SWAN event.

 My concern is that this thinking is still apparent with our current federal government when it comes to AGRICULTURE policy.

 
Farming is the business of producing perishable commodities safe for human consumption. The key words are “safe and perishable”.

In my opinion, the federal government’s plan on fertilizer reduction, carbon issues, safety nets, environmental issues and urbanizing food policy falls short of food security, and back stopping farmers from yield declines. The federal government needs to adopt a better methodology for achieving the best version of agriculture policies.

This RESPONSIBILITY is shared by all not only the farming community in successfully accomplishing new established food policy goals.

 
It starts with discussions with all stake holders (farmers, policy makers, suppliers, consumers, science researchers, etc.) And we need to remove any reference to FOOD POLITICS.

 
Before developing agricultural food policies, you need to ask the following questions:

- Have all stakeholders been identified and what are the potential challenges?
- Are new regulations required to accomplish new or better food policies? If so, can we meet the objectives efficiently and effectively?
- Are the expected outcomes realizable from an implementation process?

 
Food policy needs to be flexible, practical, affordable, cost effective and all the stakeholders must be part of the solution.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO FEED THE WORLD.

 
Your thoughts are always appreciated
Take care

I look forward to next week...

Fred Mertz
Fred@thevoiceofagriculture.ca