Ottawa, ON – John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security, Dave Epp, Conservative Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security, and Richard Lehoux, Conservative Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security, today released the following statement celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day:
“Today we celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day, a day to recognize our farmers, ranchers, producers and processors across the country.
“When it comes to productivity, Canadian agriculture has always punched above its weight and modern Canadian agriculture has incredible potential. One in eight jobs in Canada is directly related to agriculture, and food production is by far the largest manufacturing employer in the country supporting more than 250,000 jobs.
“Without compromise, farmers worked to ensure Canadians could have world-class food on their kitchen tables throughout the pandemic. Our agriculture producers are an integral part of our economy and are essential to our food security. If this pandemic has revealed anything, it is the absolute need to prioritize our agriculture and food supply chains.
“It is fundamental the Liberals develop policies that work for our agriculture sector — not against it — to allow farmers and processors to do what they do best: to innovate, be stewards of the environment, continue being champions of animal care and provide sustainable, safe, reliable and healthy food products to Canadians and customers around the world.
“As Conservatives, we believe in rewarding hard work and success, rather than burdening farm families and agri-food businesses with punitive taxes and red tape. We want to ensure generations to come will be able to carry on Canada’s family farm model. Let us recognize the important work farmers do and ensure their voices are heard in Ottawa.
“Conservatives know Canada produces the best quality food in the world. Period. It’s safe, it’s affordable, and it’s sustainable. Today, we send our thanks to all our farmers, ranchers, producers and processors for your passion and commitment. Thank you for feeding our families. Conservatives will continue to be your voice in Ottawa.”
