While we all adjust our plans to manage through the current adversity we face, Canadian Canola Growers Association remains focused on our core vision of helping farmers succeed. Today, what that means is somewhat different than what it meant even two months ago, but nonetheless we remain focused on doing our part to bring the voice of canola farmers forward amidst COVID‑19.
While our employees are now working remotely in an effort to help minimize the impact of COVID‑19 on our staff, our customers and our community, we continue to work diligently to serve the needs of the farmers we represent. Our main areas of focus include administration of the Advance Payments Program, policy development research, and advocacy with government and other stakeholders.
Priorities of canola farmers
With spring planting just around the corner and time‑sensitive requirements, such as obtaining needed fertilizer and crop inputs for seeding, farmers are faced with unique challenges during the COVID‑19 outbreak. Tailored solutions are required to support farmers in their essential role in keeping our food supply flowing.
In this regard, CCGA has been working with the federal government to ensure the needs of farmers are understood and addressed during the rapidly evolving situation of COVID‑19. Multiple times per week, CCGA participates in Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada's (AAFC) COVID‑19 working group calls with senior officials from AAFC, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Public Health Agency of Canada. The calls are an opportunity for government to brief senior staff from national associations and for organizations to raise issues and concerns directly with senior levels of government.
Over the last several weeks CCGA has been advocating for these key priorities:
Maintaining critical infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted trade. This includes both exports of canola seed, oil and meal, as well as imports of crop input supplies and machinery required for spring planting. Securing access to services that facilitate trade at border crossings and at port is also integral to facilitating the continued flow of trade. These services include government inspection services, port logistics and border personnel.
Keeping domestic supply chains open. As provinces are considering measures to restrict business activities to mitigate COVID‑19, it is critical that domestic supply chains remain open to facilitate access and delivery of crop inputs, such as fertilizer, fuel, crop protection products and food.
Providing farmers effective tools to manage risk. COVID‑19 is exacerbating existing market uncertainty and volatility for canola farmers. Already this year, farmers have been managing trade disruptions, extreme weather and rail disruptions. Farmers need tools to help them manage the risks they are dealing with now and in the future. CCGA, along with other national farm groups, is urging the government to restore AgriStability coverage immediately to cover losses starting at 85 percent of historical reference margins with no Reference Margin Limits. In the short term, CCGA has requested the government use AgriInvest to quickly flow additional funds to producers.
Working with other farm groups. Now is the time for Canadians to unite and work together. This applies to agriculture too. CCGA is working with other farm groups to understand the needs of farmers and to provide, as much as possible, a single, clear message to government on what farmers need to manage through this crisis. CCGA staff are coordinating closely with other national organizations and our provincial grower members to ensure we are up to speed on the latest developments.
Biofuels. CCGA continues its work in advocating for an increase in biofuel content. In addition to providing a new market opportunity for canola, this action would reduce GHGs and provide support to allow for suspension of the carbon tax increase, given the current economic challenges.
In addition to these actions, CCGA recently responded to a request by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food for recommendations about steps that can be taken to help farmers through the COVID‑19 event.