Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to remind the House that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board is a man of the people.
I have been hosting agriculture forums for nine years in my riding. It has become traditional for agriculture ministers to attend.
The minister attended Agriculture Forum 2008 this spring, with farmers and agrifood workers in my region of Saskatchewan anxious to discuss relevant issues. As usual, the room was full. This kind of face to face consultation is important to this government.
The farmers in my area made it clear that they want to see crop insurance improved and more marketing choice in the future. High input costs such as fertilizer, chemicals and fuel remain a concern.
Agriculture Forum 2008 provided the platform for farmers to approach the minister directly with their concerns. His actions give them ample reason to believe he is listening.
The forum is televised across Canada and continues to communicate the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Farmers tell me that there has not been this much support for agriculture since the days of John Diefenbaker.