Barlow Says Hay West Program Has Been Key For Producers

The Federal Government announced an additional three million dollars towards the Canadian Federation of Agriculture's 2021 Hay West Initiative to help farmers affected by this year's drought.

John Barlow, the Conservative's Federal Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-food, says the Hay West program has been key for producers in the West.

"Obviously access to feed has been critically important and with what's happened in the BC floods, has exasperated the problem when it comes to accessing feed. So to see eastern Canadian farmers step up in support of our western Canadian producers is, you know, that's great. And that's what happens when there's a crisis, is neighbours helping neighbours. You know, certainly the funding to help make that happen, I think is welcome for sure."

Barlow had a chance to hear from livestock producers in Saskatchewan directly when he and some of his fellow party members visited Agribition.

He notes they not only with livestock groups, but crop commodity organizations and the agricultural manufacturers' association.

"Myself, several MPs from Saskatchewan, Shadow Minister for Rural Development, our leader, Erin O'Toole. We had a pretty strong presence there, and I think that sent a really clear message to those in the agriculture sector that yeah, the Conservatives see us as a priority. We want to be there to listen. You know, there's no better way to do that than being there on the ground. Meeting with those stakeholder groups."

Barlow says some key issues that were addressed were the impact of the drought, markets and trade, and the Federal Government's 30 per cent emissions target.

"It was a great opportunity to touch base with producers from various different commodities. Canola, Grain Growers, Canadian Cattlemen, Stock Growers, but even the Agricultural Manufacturers Association. We were able to meet with them and just get different perspectives on some of the issues that they're facing, and certainly give a perspective on the vision that the Conservative Party has and in our team and what we what we can do to help."