As we enter the final three weeks of the spring session, a number of agriculture-related bills are being considered on Capitol Hill, including carbon pricing policy, changes to capital gains taxes, highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cows, 4-H funding and implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct.
John Barlow, Conservative shadow minister for agriculture and deputy chairman of the House of Commons agriculture committee, with Sean Haney Real Agriculture Radio This week, he will be discussing key issues affecting Canadian farmers from his perspective, including topics such as:
If the Conservatives win the next election, they will restore funding to 4-H. Barlow recognizes the important role the 4-H program plays in educating the next generation of farmers and stresses the Conservative government’s determination to reverse funding cuts to the program, as well as the importance of programs like 4-H and Ag in the Classroom in raising awareness of modern agriculture among Canadians.
Barlow’s own farm trespass bill, Bill C-275, has reached the Senate committee stage. This is a private member’s bill that would make it an offence under the Animal Health Act to enter any premises where animals are kept without due authority or cause if the animals may be exposed to disease or toxic substances. Senator Barlow appeared before the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee this week to discuss the merits of the bill.
Grocery Code misunderstood regarding future food prices Barlow points out that the code was originally created to protect fruit and vegetable producers from unfair treatment by large retailers, not to directly lower food prices. He believes the current administration has misunderstood the code’s potential impact on lowering food prices, and stresses that the code’s main purpose is to ensure fair practices in the industry.
Biosecurity and disease prevention against foot and mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle — Barlow stresses that strong biosecurity protocols are important to prevent vector-borne diseases. He is concerned about a possible shortage of vaccine stockpiles and stresses the need for greater preparedness to protect the livestock industry. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regularly briefs MPs on the HPAI avian influenza issue.
Efforts to revive Bill C-234 — The bill, which would have initially removed carbon taxes from propane and natural gas used on farms, was heavily revised in the Senate before being sent back to the House, where Barlow said the loss of Bloc support hurt the bill’s momentum.
Check out the video below to see John Barlow and Sean Haney in conversation. If you have any comments or questions, please email Sean. (email address protected).
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