THE HOUSE OF COMMONS STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD TABLES ITS REPORT ON THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN AGRICULTURE

PRESS RELEASE

Ottawa, 11 June  2002 – Mr. Charles Hubbard, Chair of  the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, tabled today in the House of Commons the Committee’s report on the future role of the government in agriculture.  The Committee conducted meetings in 15 municipalities across Canada and heard more than 350 witnesses, mostly farmers who shared their insights and concerns with  Committee members.  The Committee made 33 recommendations that reflect farmers’ expectations on what the government could do to help their sector to be profitable and sustainable.

“The fact that three different groups of parliamentarians have studied simultaneously, but independently, the future role of the government in agriculture demonstrates the importance of the sector and the need for government intervention to secure its long-term growth and prosperity,” said Mr. Hubbard.  “On the international scene, Canada has a reputation for producing safe, high-quality food products and wants to become the world leader in food safety and environmental practices. The report also calls for Canadian agriculture to be recognized by all Canadian citizens as a high-profile sector because food production should be considered a national security issue,” added the Chair of the Standing Committee.

The report is entitled The Future Role of the Government in Agriculture, and is available on the Parliament of Canada’s web site at: . Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Clerk of the Standing Committee.

E-mail: agri@parl.gc.ca

Telephone: (613) 947-6732

Facsimile: (613) 996-1962