With the federal election slated for October 21, 2019, Team Alberta is seeking answers on how Canada’s party leaders will address the issues most important to farmers before they cast their vote.

Representing approximately 20,000 primary crop farmers across Alberta, Team Alberta has distributed a Question and Answer (Q&A) document to the four major parties. Through the Q&A, party leaders are being asked to explain how their platforms will address major farm-gate concerns including trade, the carbon tax, business risk management programs, pesticide regulations, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) surplus and calls for CGC reform.

Team Alberta will post party answers publicly to ensure farmers have access to information that could help them make their decision at the polls. Responses will be posted on www.teamalbertacrops.com, a site that will house all of Team Alberta’s policy positions, which will be launched in the coming days.

Team Alberta has asked parties to fill out the Q&A and email responses by Monday, October 7. Candidates can also engage with farmers on Twitter by following the hashtag #FarmersWantToKnow.

Media Contacts

Victoria Decker, Communications Manager Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions vdecker@albertawheatbarley.com 403-219-7906

Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator Alberta Pulse Growers rpeterson@albertapulse.com 780-986-9398 ext. 108

Michelle Chunyua, Communications Coordinator Alberta Canola michelle@albertacanola.com 780-454-0844

Quotes

“To-date, we have not seen proposals from Canada’s official parties that cover major agricultural concerns. Through this initiative, we’re looking to provide farmers with the information they need before they cast their ballot this October.”

• Dave Bishop, Alberta Barley chair

“Trade is a major concern for farmers right now with technical barriers blocking canola trade into China, pulses into India, durum wheat into Italy and barley into Saudi Arabia. We’re looking for answers on how Canada’s political parties plan to defend Canadian agricultural exports, worth more than $5 billion.

• Gary Stanford, Alberta Wheat commission chair

“Farmers want to ensure that our net positive environmental contributions are being recognized. We want to know if commitments will be made to protect farmers from a carbon pricing system that damages our competitiveness.”

• Don Shepert, Alberta Pulse Growers chair

“We’re looking for answers on how farmers will be included in the modernization of business risk management programs that currently fall short in bolstering competitiveness. There should be opportunity there for farmers to provide input that will encourage stability in our high-risk operating environment.”

• John Guelly, Alberta Canola chair