I will finish the presentation.
Another area where federal policy requires immediate attention is the regulatory framework for Canadian farmers compared to what exists for imported agriculture products into Canada. Are we certain that all food that is imported into Canada meets the same standard as Canadian farmers are asked to meet? Are Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements being met in other countries where products are grown or processed and then imported into Canada? Are Canadian food standards and requirements even discussed when trade deals are on the table?
If the answer to these questions is "no", or "we're not sure," then we are placing Canadian agriculture at a disadvantage, thereby jeopardizing the future security of food and food production in this country.
Paying farmers for environmental goods and services is being done in the U.S. and Europe. Recognizing the value of preserving natural capital for the rest of society is crucial to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in this country. Paying for environmental services is not trade-distorting. The work farmers do to protect the environment is a benefit to them, but also a benefit to their community. Why should this entire cost be borne by the farmers alone? Other regions around the world have recognized this, and Canada must recognize it now as well, or risk putting our farmers even further behind in the competitiveness race.
This country needs a long-term food strategy. We need to define some goals and put in place a process to make them happen. This strategy development is not government's job. The development of a long-term national food strategy is the agriculture community's job. Once the agri-food industry stakeholders come together to define a national food strategy, we will need governments, both federal and provincial, to work with us to make it happen. This food-based strategy is being developed at the national level now, and we are optimistic that government will work collaboratively with the agriculture community to meet these long-term goals so that the future can be more secure and encouraging for today's young farmers.
There are opportunities for agriculture and for future generations in agriculture, if the right policies are implemented. This means developing policies for the current challenges as well as tomorrow's. How can we possibly expect new farmers to enter today's agriculture sector when many of today's farmers are, unfortunately, looking for a way out?
Thank you.