The following is a commentary by Elbert van Donkersgood that appeared on the CFBMC website:
Family farm entrepreneurs have a long history of using the language of independence to describe themselves and to express their view of how the world should work. Look at how we defend our need for national safety nets:
We really don't want government subsidies, but we have to have them in order to survive. As long as the Americans and the
European Union throw multibillion-dollar programs at their farmers,
we need farm subsidies to compensate for the market damage their
programs inflict. Canadian farmers can compete, but not against the
teasuries of other nations!
We accept that Canadian agriculture has become dependent on government largesse over the past quarter century, but we
continue to insist that our real desire is for independence.
The notion that farmers are independent entrepreneurs is a myth - reality has long been different. It took independence of spirit to cut down the bush of southwestern Ontario, to put a plow to the prairie grasslands; but
pioneer success quickly became dependent on threshing crews,
cooperative elevators and government-subsidized railroads.
In the 60s and 70s, technology such as the three-point hitch, power take off and electric motor saw production easily out-pace market demand. Farmers responded to this loss of clout in the
marketplace by embracing marketing boards - a retreat from
independent marketing.
Family farm entrepreneurs have a long history of accepting their interdependence. They have historically participated in initiatives that build infrastructure; they have promoted institutions that
support the business of farming. Canadian farmers value production
advisors, government and private; veterinarians; input suppliers;
roads, bridges and drainage works provided by municipalities; the
Farm Credit Corporation, the agricultural divisions of banks; and
subsidies.
Family farm entrepreneurs cherish the notion of independence -but remain pragmatic. They adopt new tools in response to changing times. If participation is important to building a successful business, so be it. Successful family farmers are comfortable with both
independent action and interdependent initiatives.
____________
How do you feel about this article?
Family farm entrepreneurs have a long history of using the language of independence to describe themselves and to express their view of how the world should work. Look at how we defend our need for national safety nets:
We really don't want government subsidies, but we have to have them in order to survive. As long as the Americans and the
European Union throw multibillion-dollar programs at their farmers,
we need farm subsidies to compensate for the market damage their
programs inflict. Canadian farmers can compete, but not against the
teasuries of other nations!
We accept that Canadian agriculture has become dependent on government largesse over the past quarter century, but we
continue to insist that our real desire is for independence.
The notion that farmers are independent entrepreneurs is a myth - reality has long been different. It took independence of spirit to cut down the bush of southwestern Ontario, to put a plow to the prairie grasslands; but
pioneer success quickly became dependent on threshing crews,
cooperative elevators and government-subsidized railroads.
In the 60s and 70s, technology such as the three-point hitch, power take off and electric motor saw production easily out-pace market demand. Farmers responded to this loss of clout in the
marketplace by embracing marketing boards - a retreat from
independent marketing.
Family farm entrepreneurs have a long history of accepting their interdependence. They have historically participated in initiatives that build infrastructure; they have promoted institutions that
support the business of farming. Canadian farmers value production
advisors, government and private; veterinarians; input suppliers;
roads, bridges and drainage works provided by municipalities; the
Farm Credit Corporation, the agricultural divisions of banks; and
subsidies.
Family farm entrepreneurs cherish the notion of independence -but remain pragmatic. They adopt new tools in response to changing times. If participation is important to building a successful business, so be it. Successful family farmers are comfortable with both
independent action and interdependent initiatives.
____________
How do you feel about this article?
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