Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: The $25,000 Cow - The Rest of the Story (part 3)

By Nathan Stevens
September 16, 2011
 
Andrew Coyne, one of Canada’s most respected journalists, has garnered a lot of attention in his recent article in Maclean’s that turned a harsh eye towards supply management. He makes a number of strong assertions in his article that are worthy of further discussion. This is the third in a series of commentaries that will provide counter-points to those assertions, this time focusing on trade and a final comment on the necessity for scrutiny of the system.
 
Regarding trade, critics of supply management need to remember that nearly all countries have something that they choose to provide special protection for regardless of any outside factor. Japan has rice production. America has the big five grains that receive tremendous support. Europe has shifted how it provides support, but there is still plenty available to farmers who are willing to engage in new environmental programming. Even in free market dairy regions like Australia, supply control is exerted by forcing farmers to own shares in processors before production can be shipped.
 
Furthermore, on an aggregate basis, North America is the most open region in the world in terms of agricultural trade. A balanced position that promotes expanded opportunities for those agricultural commodities that are seeking new markets while maintaining the supply management system is achievable. The CFFO is just one of many agricultural organizations that believe that there are many opportunities for export-oriented farmers to realize new opportunities without requiring the dismantling of supply management.
 
Finally, it is entirely appropriate for scrutiny to be turned towards a system that operates with considerable intervention from government. If supply management stays on target as a system that provides a living for farming families by passing reasonable costs to consumers, then it will continue to have merit. However, if greed and complacency create a system where a handful of farmers are able to gouge consumers at unfair rates, then the system will require an overhaul. Coyne’s article should serve as a reminder to those within supply management that they must always remember the purpose of the system and stay true to it.
 
Andrew Coyne turned a harsh eye towards supply management in his recent Maclean’s article. Such scrutiny is necessary and good for regulated industries from time to time. Trade in agriculture needs to be balanced to provide opportunity for export-oriented industries and stability for a supply management system that stays true to its purpose.
 
Nathan Stevens is the Research and Policy Advisor for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston. It is also archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 72

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service