OTTAWA, JULY 16, 2015 - The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Board of Directors met in Charlottetown, PEI July 13-15 to discuss challenges and recommendations for a range of priorities for the sector, including: risk management,  trade, climate change and federal election priorities for agriculture.

"The industry is facing an interesting time. Now more than ever, there's a need to review the policy and programs in place for Canadian agriculture to ensure we have a vibrant food system in years to come. Our interest at this meeting was putting processes and policies in motion that would place the industry in a position for growth," said CFA President Ron Bonnett.

Much of the discussion centered on CFA's election priorities - maintaining a workforce on Canadian farms and ensuring farmers have access to proper risk management tools.

"Farmers face unique challenges - our work is seasonal and can fluctuate dramatically with the markets, consumer demands and weather patterns. The sector requires thought out policies and long-term investment. The CFA has developed recommendations for industry and government and will be urging these priorities be included in party platforms in the upcoming election," Bonnett added.

Denis Landreville - Canada's lead agriculture negotiator - updated CFA on a number of negotiations, including the much anticipated Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The CFA was also pleased to hear from PEI Agriculture Minister, Honourable Alan McIsaac. The Minister spoke to social license in agriculture and government/industry cooperation - among other topics. 

Following the Board of Directors meeting, the CFA hosted its annual roundtable with Canada's Agriculture Ministers . The roundtable immediately precedes the Agricultural Ministerial Meeting Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers' and is meant to inform Ministerial discussions. The farm leaders and Ministers discussed the relationship between consumers and the agricultural industry and ways forward in building trust and transparency.

"We appreciate the frank discussions had with the political leaders and stakeholders. It's only through working together that we can achieve lasting success for our farmers, the food system and Canadian consumers," Bonnett commented.

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The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest general farm organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations, national and inter-provincial commodity organizations - representing over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families through its members. Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the CFA works on behalf of Canada's farmers to ensure the continued development of a viable and vibrant agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada.