August 31, 2018

Canadian farmers receive $250 million in state funds

Canadian farmers are rejoicing after receiving a portion of a $250 million fund by the federal government, which is part of a programme known as 'Dairy Farm Investment Program' on Wednesday.

The financial support comes with an aim to increase productivity and competitiveness and to prepare each farm for the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement.

11 farms located in the Hastings-Lennox and Addington areas were given $861,362 on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

One of the recipients, Ripple Brook Farms, has already invested the funds into a high-tech cow collar that tracks each cow and their activity, according to its owner, Kevin McLean.

He explained, "The collars have a small microphone in them and they track how the cows eat, where they go and how active they are and most importantly, to help determine the cows' health."

The MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington, Mike Bossio justified that the state fund decision will benefit local farmers and residents in the long run.

"These investments will help ensure not only that we keep good jobs in rural areas and future generations from moving into the cities, but also that we will continue to benefit from the healthy and well-regulated dairy products that our dairy farmers provide for us. Local family-owned farms also spend that income in the local economy, which further contributes to rural sustainability," Bossio said.

Canada's supply-management dairy industry is currently under threat, as President Donald Trump is seeking more access for American dairy farmers, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged to protect dairy farmers north of the border, which has caused a standstill in negotiations.

Source: Global News