More new Canadians support India''s farmers

[bucket]

These Indian farmers are protesting against the government winding down direct purchases from farmers and allowing private companies to buy direct from the producers, where have we heard that before? Here is a interesting side note, 20 years ago when I was working in Uganda their farmers were protesting to have the government start buying from them, so they didn't have to sell to private companies.

Bucket, you stated that we have been "kicked to the curb", I am not sure it is not as much that as it is an image problem. These farmers in India have come from hundreds of miles on little tractors and wagons, some have walked, probably even ox and cart. They are sleeping and eating on the side of the road. They are perceived as the poor downtrodden masses who are going to be taken advantaged of by the big companies.

So, say we as primary producers start protesting the government because of the lack of transparency in the grain buying and handling system. Which I, like you believe has cost farmers Billions of dollars in lost revenue. You could make an argument that we are at the mercy of the private companies, just like they are protesting in India. Farmers would come from hundreds of miles in their Denali HD's, their Longhorn's, their KingRanches, maybe even their new 620 Quadtrack pulling the 2000Bu grain cart. They would order pizza to the protest line, they might even stay in a hotel room. They will be perceived as pissy, moaning, whiney farmers.

Are our concerns over lost revenue any less important than those of our Indian counterparts? I don't believe they are but because of the public perception of, and I will quote Quick Dic Mic Dic "Those rich bastards." agriculture will never have any traction in this country with Joe Q public.

I cant argue your logic and won't because it makes sense and you say it well...

The only problem is that Trudeau should keep his nose out of India's issues that could cost us market share...

And focus on how we can gain international markets instead of losing them with stupid comments from him or his minions...

[bucket]

I think if you look at farmers contribution to both the economy and the environment , would it not be fair to say that maybe supporting farmers here in Canada would be a good investment...

When you look at how they justify irrigation.....the same should be done for the average joe six pack farmer and rancher????

Prior to pandemic 1 in 8 jobs were ag related and think that ratio is more like 1 in 6 now....and farmers went and gave it their all last spring .....many industries didn't....

[bucket]

Something simple like providing better railway crossings across the country would be a great infrastructure program....warning lights at highways and better level crossings would be great.

[Misterjade9]

But Bucket, there is no political hay to be made by helping grain, oilseed, and livestock producers in this country. Quite the opposite, if you as a politician are seen helping "Those Rich Bastards" you run the risk of loosing your core support. However if you are a pandering ,virtue signaling politician it makes perfect sense to stick your nose in and try and win more support with a segment of your population, especially when you have a minority government.

[bucket]

But Bucket, there is no political hay to be made by helping grain, oilseed, and livestock producers in this country. Quite the opposite, if you as a politician are seen helping "Those Rich Bastards" you run the risk of loosing your core support. However if you are a pandering ,virtue signaling politician it makes perfect sense to stick your nose in and try and win more support with a segment of your population, especially when you have a minority government.

I call politicians ...leave messages...never hear from them....unless robocalls count.

In the last election I was trying to get ahold of the saskparty candidate....nope.... but a Robocall from Scott(Homer)Moe came one night...

[Austrian Economics]

Socialists protesting a government's attempt to eliminate a socialist program. Not much wonder Trudeau is supporting it.

[Misterjade9]

You are correct AE, but then how do we classify the, USDA food in Schools Program, the food distribution programs for IR's, even the CSFD? Even though most of the commodities purchased are already processed, they increase the market for raw products from the U.S producer. Would these be considered socialist programs from a socialist government?

[jamesb]

https://www.reuters.com/article/india-farms-protests-explainer/explainer-indias-multi-billion-dollar-food-programme-is-at-the-heart-of-farmers-protests-idUSKBN28E1VK


This article made things a little clearer for me. It boggles the mind why our PM would think it would be prudent to get involved in this. It has been clear for years that the Indian govt interventionist policy has had
negative effects on normal trade of products. One can have admiration for the govt to keep the poorest from starving but at the same time they have created trade distorting problems that have worldwide effect because they are still a big importer.