This is ONLY canola's contribution.............

[farmaholic]

1. Canola's economic contribution climbs
by Neil Billinger
Canadian canola contributes an estimated $15.4 billion to the national economy.

The figure is contained in a study commissioned by the Canola Council of Canada and was released at its annual convention in Saskatoon this week.

"The last number we had was from 2009 and that was $14 billion," says JoAnne Buth, CCC president. She credits higher canola prices and new canola crushing plants for the improved total.

Canola generates $5.4 billion worth of economic activity in Saskatchewan. Alberta is a close second at $5 billion and Manitoba placed third at $3.3 billion.

The study shows canola provides jobs for 228,000 Canadians with a total payroll of $8.2 billion. An estimated 96,000 people are engaged in canola production, assuming an average of three people were employed or contributed to each canola farm operation. The remaining jobs are in seed supply, seed handling (elevator and port), transportation, crushing and refining.

Between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes of canola seed is planted annually. Hybrid seeds account for more than 80 per cent of the planting seed market.

Two new canola crushing plants in Yorkton, Sask. have helped boost total employment in the crushing sector to more than 1,800.

The domestic food processing sector adds further value to refined canola oil by processing it into margarine, shortening, salad and cooking fats and oils for human consumption.

The study was prepared as part of the Canola Market Access Plan, through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriFlexibility funding.



begood posted Jul 19, 2011 13:01
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T 85% or 95% you did get in those brown envelopes is indeed other people's tax dollars. At least acknowledge that by receiving and cashing those government payouts; that you are in the same class as welfare recipients; panhandlers and charity cases that are unfortunately forced to rely on the kindness of others who have their own problems that have not been given the same attention.

[begood]

With all those billions one would think that sufficient returns could and would be returned directly to farmers too. Why does it take a public payout for farmers to receive enough to survive.
We as farmers are being manipulated into thinking this is how the farming business operates. There is obviously a huge difference between farmer returns and the agricultural industry returns.

Thank you for pointing out how canola production helps the overall Canadian and Sask economy. Now why do you and the majority of the rest of us as farmers depend on government handouts. Show the same enthusiasm for this situation.
Ever think about sailing your own ship; instead of being taken for a ride?

[farmaholic]

Begood: Could it be the Government thinks Ag is worth protecting, maybe for more than just food security since we grow way more than we use domestically. Could it be it generates alot of economic activity that ripples through parts of the economy.

I can't argue with you, I too would like nothing better to get more out of the market than recieve government assistance at times. The last time we really got anything meaningful was for the frost event of 04. Since then it simply is the agri-invest. We don't participate in crap insurance either.

I've said before: Producers seem to buy retail and sell wholesale. This(farming) is the only thing I've ever done, can someone enlighten me as to the "power" other business people enjoy(or are they left to the same forces as we(as farmers) are. Are we doing business in an environment that warrants support if it there are no checks and balances?

What ever..... I'm going to watch the football game.

[ColevilleH2S]

Begood. Over the years I've paid far more to government taxes than I have ever received in program payouts. I imagine most farmers are the same. So when it comes to government and farmers, who is supporting who?

Good on the Canola Council to spread the word.

[begood]

Very good arguments for lots of government control and involvement and even governments deciding what your net income will be. But look at it another way. You think they will allow average net income to ever get much above what it takes to keep farmers doing all the hard work producing raw food.
Farmers allowed agribusiness and governments to control the agenda and now we try to scramble for the biggest carrots. I'll agree and admit to everything you are saying; but don't tell me that it had to be that way; nor tell me that you like it.

[begood]

As for the assumtion that most farmers have paid more in taxes than they ever got back

How can that be true when year after year the only thing that keeps net farm income positive is government payments and off farm income. As far as I know your accountant would not be suggesting that there is much tax due when net farm income is close to zero.

The taxes on government payments are really someone else money in the first place; and sinking good money earned from other work into farming operations is entirely your individual decision.
Also don't forget what you receive from the health, education, child benefits and myriad of other government programs available to everyone.
Perceived entitlements are a cost to everyone. A cheap food policy turns into control over over producers and we have come to accept those facts; but do little to change the base problems.

[TOM4CWB]

Begood,

How can we pay more in taxes?

Read the first article again.

Taxes upon taxes... multiplied by a lack of competition and concentration in the corporate sector... encouraged by government. BECAUSE the corporations and the people that work for them... and the money they each spend... multiply tax revenues for our governments.

By design... the goose that lays the 'golden eggs'... must be fed for a stable and plentyful supply of produce to be maintained.

A 'stable and plentyful supply of energy, produce and food ' to feed a nation... and world... is the base of our civilisation.

[begood]

"A 'stable and plentyful supply of energy, produce and food ' to feed a nation... and world... is the base of our civilisation."
Stable won't do it. Plentiful it can not be when everything has a limited supply and demands for more and more are imminent. Surely there are energy, resource and population problems. To not acknowlege them; and pretend that these same problems were faced for the last thousand years is another setback for reality.
The expected religious outcome may well be good news for the insect world; but then again the insects are spending just as much time contemplating change as most people.

[TOM4CWB]

Begood,

In all things give thanks!

Thanks for your insight Begood.

Humanity obviously does have problems.

To actually be discussing these issues... over 1000's of miles... on the internet... shows that humans are somewhat more clever and co-operative than insects.

The base of our motivation is your point.

You are responsible for your motives... I for mine!

All the best!