We’ve tried hard not to tell you what to think about each of our three cover stories this month. There are, of course, loads of other people who’d be more than happy to tell you what your opinions should be, but our philosophy here at the new Guide is simply to bring you stories and perspectives in the hope that you will agree they are important and, critically, that there is value in mulling them over.
That said, these three stories are from three regions that are miles apart both geographically and politically, and each is about the nexus between farmers and their provincial governments.
Read Also
Editor’s Note: No pressure
What is your playbook going into this year’s crop? Not an easy question to answer right now, given the global…
— Right-wing Alberta is targeting over a half-billion tax dollars at buying its farmers a beef industry. — Quebec, with less federal cash than you may think, is spreading its provincial tax dollars to all its farms. — Maritime governments are stuck in neutral as their farms slip closer and closer to the cliff.
These three stories illustrate that provincial policy remains a crucial shaper and definer of Canadian agriculture. If you doubt it, read the stories and then ask yourself what Alberta’s agriculture would look like if Edmonton adopted Quebec’s or Nova Scotia’s policies, and vice versa.
We can talk as long as we want about a level playing field (and we are right of course in demanding that the game get better rules and referees). Still, no legislature will ever approve rules so perfect they’ll prevent themselves from supporting their agricultures.
So, where you farm will continue to count. Provincial support may not always seem enormous, but in an increasingly competitive environment, it can and sometimes will be decisive.
This leads to a crucial question. How are you taking advantage of the benefits and support that the province is trying to provide for you?
We don’t want to sound like big boosters of big government. We aren’t. Nor do we want to say that all government policy is good. Clearly, it isn’t.
It’s the role of regional farm organizations to ensure their provincial government’s policies are strategic and effective. If you aren’t supporting these groups, you should be, the same way any corporation in any sector invests both money and time in industry organizations. For them, as for you, it’s an essential cost of business.
Large businesses hire experts to track government policy and plot how it can create business opportunities. As a sole proprietor or a farm corporation, that’s just one more job that’s on your plate.
It isn’t easy, but ironically, the fact that it isn’t easy can be to your competitive advantage. Something, as we say, to mull over.
What do you think? Did we get it right? You can reach me by phone at 519 674-1449, or by e-mail at [email protected].
