The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is presently engaged in a membership drive. It is sending officials throughout British Columbia to sign up support. This support is even more important than ever now under Canada’s New Majority Government. We can expect to see the Wheat Board, Co-ops, and Supply Organizations being challenged by new agricultural policies supposedly dedicated to reducing red tape and opening Canada up to world competition.
In the past, such changes have boiled down to screwing the local producer and so we can expect that trend to continue. About the only national organization that can stand up to the government agriculture-wise is the National Farmers’ Union. Visit its website at nfu.ca to get the scoop on what it does. The organization has been around since the beginning of the twentieth century and much of what has served to make Canada a livable country has sprung from its initiatives. It has continuously fought for policies to make life for people living down on the farm supportable and has no intention of throwing in the towel.
Membership for farmers is relatively expensive, $195 a year, but that money goes to support a research and lobbying presence in Ottawa and the provinces that has consistently generated beneficial results. Non-farm members can join for $65 and youth for $40. All members will get the newsletter and achieve website standing. The NFU needs a wider and better presence in British Columbia. At present, the only viable BC chapter is in the Peace River County.
The Island Farmers Alliance board has formally voted to support this membership drive and promote it to our members.
Submitted by Bob Mitchell, IFA President
Island Farmers' Alliance 