Nova Scotia Farmers' Concerns Addressed at National Level

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Nova Scotia Farmers' Concerns Addressed at National Level

Nova Scotia farmers should be assured that efforts are being made to allow for a smooth transition to new business risk management programs.

"Some Nova Scotia farmers are worried about the new business risk management programs being proposed under the Agricultural Policy Framework," said Gordon Balser, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who recently met with federal and provincial agriculture ministers. "I came away from the meeting knowing that the programs will be affordable and effective for producers."

The business risk management design includes an expanded National Income Stabilization Account (NISA), which offers protection against both smaller losses and disasters.

The programs would also provide flexibility for farmers' individual situations since a producer could commit early in the year to a particular level of coverage. The new programs will also meet trade obligations and provide equity for all Canadian farmers.

The programs being delivered for the 2002 stabilization year, will not be affected by changes under the Agricultural Policy Framework. Producers will continue to have access to all funds in their current NISA, including the government-funded portion.

"It is time to move forward. We want a good business risk management program in place and to look at the long-term growth of the industry," said Mr. Balser. "Other elements of the Agricultural Policy Framework include food safety, environment, science and innovation and renewal, and these too, are fundamental to growth."

The Agricultural Policy Framework is a federal-provincial- territorial initiative to improve the profitability of the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada. It is designed to help Canada be the world leader in food safety and quality and environmentally responsible production and innovation.

Federal-provincial implementation agreements, when signed, will take effect April 1 and will cover all five elements of the Agricultural Policy Framework.