National Farmers Union calls for ‘serious response’ to tariffs

Glacier FarmMedia—The National Farmers Union says “a serious response” is needed to the tariffs, but any retaliatory measures must consider and protect Canadian farmers, farm workers and consumers.

While immediate measures are critical to addressing the situation, the NFU says a more long-term strategy is necessary.  This should include a more substantial policy to increase resilience and improve preparedness for external disruptions, and to reduce dependence on the United States, which is no longer a reliable trading partner.

“President Trump’s disruptive strategy and lack of respect for rules means we can no longer consider trade agreements reliable,” the NFU said.

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The group said improvements to resilience and preparedness initiatives would strengthen Canadian agriculture and reduce vulnerability in supply chain disruptions, income loss, price increases and food shortages. It calls for changes that would not only address the current situation, but any future storms as well.

The statement acknowledges the crucial role of domestic and international markets for imports of farm equipment and inputs, and for exports of products.

The NFU calls for the prioritization of defending supply chain management, diversifying export markets, promoting and improving regional and local markets, protecting agricultural workers, upscaling domestic farm equipment manufacturing and preventing corporate profiteering.

It says short-term solutions include increasing domestic production of food goods and products and equipment fabrication to current demands and government measures to prevent corporate price gouging and to increase agriculture support.

While supports such as AgriStability are available for price drops and rising input costs, the organization says there isn’t a program to deal with a crisis such as tariffs.

The NFU says long-term solutions include adoption of a similar multifunctional policy framework similar to what’s in place in the European Union to provide market diversity and support to farmers and agricultural workers. Increasing food processing and equipment manufacturing will also support future economics through reliable food supply and infrastructure, it says.

“Punitive American tariffs and a potentially expanding trade war create uncertainty that is harmful to our livelihoods and our communities,” the NFU says.

”We urge the government to move swiftly toward this goal.”