Published by the National Farmers Union www.nfu.ca Winter 2020 / Volume 25 Issue 4

Bucking the Trend! NFU Youth buck the aging trend in Canadian farming - and have fun doing it at the National Convention and all year.

Strong Communities. Sound Policies. Sustainable Farms. Des communautés solidaires et des politiques sensées pour une agriculture durable.

Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

— by Glenn Norman, NFU Vice President of Policy (on behalf of the Editorial Advisory Committee)

would like to take this export operation which we grew chemicals and higher yielding I opportunity to introduce myself and expanded until the dissolution seed with diminished profit per and tell you a little bit about me. of the partnership in 2009. acre. Along with this came ever I have been an Alberta NFU increasing stress. I learned some interesting member since 2013 and a lessons in those years of farming, In 2009 the partnership ended member of the National Board one being that there is a constant with the untimely death of my and/or the Executive for the last financial squeeze placed on you brother. After estate settlement, five years. by the use of ever higher inputs in I began to rethink how to create a I grew up on my family's mixed order to maintain viability in this more viable farm. The CWB was farm east of the town of Bowden in high input world with no or very gone and the grain companies south central Alberta where my little control over your per unit were doing to the smaller grain parents raised six kids putting four returns. In the late ‘90’s, we farms what the meat processors of them through post‐secondary closed our 1000 head feedlot did to the small feedlots. It was education and making a reasonable because of the loss of competi‐ clear to me that I needed to living while doing it. I left at 17 to tion due to the processor’s use of escape this corporate game and seek my fame and fortune, coming large captive feedlots to focus on farmgate profits. I now back 15 years later to farm with my manipulate fat cattle prices. raise beef and bees, and grow hay partners, my father and brother. It that I direct market. I use With the loss of the feedlot, was a very different farm than the minimal off farm inputs, keep my land previously used to grow feed one I left, gone were the dairy and profits and have far less stress. became available to grow cash beef cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, Seems I should have paid a lot crops but without the natural ducks, horses, and the hay and more attention to how my father fertilizer provided by the grain grown mostly to feed them livestock. So began the race for farmed when I was young. ▪ with a little extra to sell. It had greater use of commercial become a much higher input fertilizer, bigger equipment, more cow/calf, feedlot and grain for

Coming soon to the NFU website and social media!

Three beautiful and inspiring videos featuring NFU members past and present. Created by Dean Harder and shown for the first time at our 50th National Convention in Winnipeg. Look for them at nfu.ca and on Facebook.

The Union Farmer Quarterly is an official publication of the National Farmers Union Agreement No.40063391

National Office Mailing Address: 2717 Wentz Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 4B6 Telephone: 306-652-9465  E-mail: [email protected]  Website: www.nfu.ca

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A Message from Katie Ward, NFU National President

was a very thoughtful, farms. It is no easy task, but the “Absolutely. Because it was the NFU has always been an right thing to do.” To me, that organization with a progressive

sums up the sense of integrity and viewpoint and we are not afraid

ethics that first drew me to the to ask the hard questions. tend to think about winter in NFU. It is what I am proud to see We have more resources now two phases, although they are is still driving our members today I to engage in this Climate not really linear. As challenging as as we look to the future. But I Leadership campaign, as we the bone chilling cold of this would be remiss if I moved on welcome our new Executive season can be, there is something from reminiscing about our 50th Director, Mara Shaw, and begin about the shorter days that makes Anniversary Convention without our engagement campaign across winter feel like the perfect time saying thank you to everyone who the country in coalition with like‐ for pausing to take stock of the worked to plan and pull off the minded and supportive allies. This past year. Using that information event, and to all of the speakers year’s NFU Days membership in the period of rest and attendees who made it such a outreach will involve raising (hibernation?) that nature imposes joyous occasion. The spirit and awareness of a series of events on us, phase two involves getting enthusiasm for this community we will be holding in Region 8, yourself centred and gathering we have built for ourselves really Region 7 and Region 1 in late your resources to be ready and shone through. I am very grateful February and early March. Please renewed for the growing season for the sense of renewal and call the office in Saskatoon at 306‐ to come. solidarity it gave me. 652‐9465 or email [email protected] if We certainly had a grand We are going to need that you are interested in participating occasion to take stock of where enthusiasm and energy soon, in this targeted outreach. we have come from as the because we are engaging in A number of other hot topics National Farmers Union at our another tough fight for the future th in agriculture were debated at recent 50 Anniversary Conven‐ of our farms. At Convention we Convention and resolutions tion! It feels a bit strange to talk launched the NFU’s newest directing the NFU to continue our about a celebration as an report, Tackling the Farm Crisis work on seed sovereignty and the opportunity to take stock, the and the Climate Crisis, written by financial issues facing farm two ideas seem a bit at odds, but Darrin Qualman. We got a very families were passed. Many it really was both. We had great positive reaction from the members raised the issue of opportunities to hear stories members in attendance as well as access to local abattoirs, and the about why we needed a National from members of the media both scope and national scale of this Farmers Union in the first place, at Convention and in the problem is becoming urgent. We and the battles that were fought following month. This report is have a lot of work ahead of us this which paved the way for us to still going to form the basis of a year, but I have every confidence be here today, on the front lines campaign to engage farmers that we are going to carry forward of the farm movement. One of across the country, to transform the values and principles of the our speakers was asked, in light of Canadian agriculture into a low ‐ National Farmers Union, and have how we lost some of those emissions, low input system ‐ a lot of fun, too! battles, would they do it again which will bring power and knowing the outcome. The reply financial stability back to our —In Solidarity, Katie Ward

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A Message from Coral Sproule, NFU National Women's President

face. A special thank you to those sovereignty for all communities. I who were able to pull together a also snagged a copy of Darrin resolution that passed on seeking Qualman's Civilization Critical,

better systems, supports and Energy, Food, Nature and The

coverage for mental health and Future (Fernwood Publishing, reetings! This is my first wellness. 2019) which is an important book report since the National for our movement. In the G One thing we recognized in Farmers Union 50th Annual women’s caucus meeting we had the women’s caucus meeting was Convention convened in some great enthusiasm over the that we never have enough time Winnipeg, Manitoba the desire to have a virtual book club ‐ during our brief time at location of our first convention as of sorts, which could possibly convention to more deeply a union in 1969. Despite the serve as a tool for discussion and connect and explore how we can current feelings of hopelessness for in person gatherings as well. truly support one another ‐ experienced by many here, by our Stay tuned for future reports on throughout our seasons. There comrades in La Via Campesina the books we read! arose a distinct desire to have across the globe, and the news more dedicated time to meet as a I wanted to take this each day of yet another caucus to focus in on and develop opportunity to briefly introduce catastrophic event related to these strategies together. We will our new Women’s Vice President, climate change, I still found a be working to try to encourage Bess Legault. Bess is a farmer and feeling hope, unity, and more informal regional and local community organizer from Fort inspiration among our members gatherings of this sort throughout St. John, British Columbia and at convention as they face our the year. We are also hoping to grows vegetables in the Peace farm and climate crises head on. plan at least a full day (hopefully River Valley (NFU Region 8). Bess Our Women’s Caucus met at more!) women’s meeting before presented on a panel at convention, and was the largest our 2020 convention in Saskatoon convention on some of her attendance of recent years. Nearly next fall. ongoing work in her community 50 of us gathered to share our and in the Peace Region of B.C. I returned home with some common challenges, our personal We are so happy to have Bess on amazing reading in tow. I was struggles, and our hopes for our the board and her enthusiasm has fortunate to get copies of Annette work in solidarity with one another been infectious from the start. To Desmarais’ book, Frontline as we head into a new era. One of Farmers, How the National learn a bit more about Bess, visit the recurring themes of some Farmers Union Resists our Women’s Advisory page on panels, and also in our discussion Agribusiness and Creates Our the www.nfu.ca website or better at the caucus meeting, was one of New Food Future (Fernwood yet, contact us to join one of our the increased and ongoing need to Publishing, 2019), which was upcoming women’s caucus calls find better mental health supports launched at convention. As with as we tackle some of our work for all rural people, and farmers in her previous books on Food together. We look forward to the particular. Facing mental health Sovereignty and La Via year to come, and hope that we challenges in our family has been a Campesina, this is a must have can connect in some way with constant struggle in our rural book for inspiration as it discusses one another over the course of context, as isolation and lack of the work of farmers and peasants the coming year and beyond. services and support compound who are working towards food —In Solidarity, Coral Sproule the already challenging times we

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Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

A Message from Stuart Oke, NFU National Youth President

As climate change brings ever this work will dovetail nicely with more severe consequences to our the other climate related work the farms and our society, it was clear NFU is undertaking. from our convention that there is a In the coming months we have will and a pressing need in t is with a renewed sense of a jam packed schedule within the agriculture for an unapologetic and excitement that I write to you all NFU. We are all pushing to get I substantive response to the crisis. The today, as I am feeling rested and planning and work done before membership gave a clear mandate to rejuvenated after a little holiday farmers head back into the fields in the board to stay the course, to help break. I hope everyone found the springtime. Region 3 held a farmers to navigate this uneasy time some time over the holiday season youth convergence in January and over the next couple years to try for some celebration with family which built on the success of last and chart a course which can serve and/or friends as well as some year’s convergence. This one day to mitigate the effects of climate time for reflection on the year to event brought together young change and address the on going come. In many ways the past year ‐ farmers from around Region 3 to farm income crisis affecting has been about reflection for the network and learn from each farmers across the country. NFU ‐ what we have done, how we other. In early February, on have done it and what we need to Convention organizers invited Agriculture Day, we will officially do better. In 2019, on top of our Avi Lewis and James Hutt, staff launch our report and the climate mountain of regular work and members at The LEAP, to come to change partnership we have advocacy, we signed a new convention and introduce/flesh created. The small group is called agreement with Region 3, out what a green new deal for Farming Climate Solutions and will celebrated our 50th anniversary farmers might look like. Broadly, be an important advocacy vehicle and hired a new executive director. the Green New Deal is a concept for us to use to build support for which calls for a holistic solution to climate change action. In addition The 50th Annual Convention problems, recognizes the urgency to this, there are plans for the itself was a profoundly hopeful one of the moment in the need to fight three NFU presidents to travel to for me – with the usual spirited climate change and calls for a Regions 7, 8 and 1 to further debate on resolutions, the systemic and transformative introduce our report and undertake successful passage of a constitu‐ change to meet that moment. It is membership development activities tional amendment which recognizes a democratic process which calls within those regions. Stay tuned to non‐familial ‘Farming Units’ as for the people closest to the the NFU website and social media members, and the release of our problem to be leaders in for more information on dates and climate report. Tackling the Farm addressing it and in envisioning the locations. Crisis and Climate Crisis: A Trans‐ solutions needed to realize them. formative Strategy for Canadian I look forward to updating you on Farmers and Food Systems, is an Following a resolution passed these and a number of other amazing report authored by former at convention, which called on the initiatives in our next Quarterly. Until NFU staff member Darrin Qualman. NFU to engage with the Green New then I hope everyone stays warm and The report explores the relationship Deal Process, youth members have keeps the snow piled in the right and draws a connection between been participating in calls to place as we head into the coldest the causes of the farm income crisis strategize how we can use our months of the year. I will be and the climate crisis and discusses expertise to bring value to the larger hunkering down over the next couple solutions for farmers of all types by conversation around a Green New weeks in front of a spreadsheet to try way of steps we can take to increase Deal in Canada and to ensure to finish up my crop plan and seed revenues and limit the greenhouse farmers have a voice at the table to order for the 2020 season. gases produced on our farms. shape the end result. It is our hope —In Solidarity, Stuart Oke

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Introducing Mara Shaw, NFU Executive Director

waste in soils and groundwater voraciously and loves fundraising across the US. and public speaking. She has two daughters: one at UBC, the other Mara moved to Kingston, at Carleton. Ontario with her Canadian husband in 2000, where she "I've been in the ED role for served as the Watershed just a week, but every experience Management Coordinator at the reinforces my commitment to the Cataraqui Region Conservation NFU. The Board is brilliant, the Authority, managing planning, staff are smart and dedicated, engineering and flood control. A and the pressing issues demand year in England opened her eyes that we work collectively and to the power of working with effectively. For 50 years he NFU welcomes a new good food. She took over as the the NFU has led a fight for Executive Director. Mara Shaw T Executive Director of Loving farmers; soil, seed and farm is a fierce advocate for food & Spoonful, a local fresh food sovereignty; farm incomes; and farming. She grew up outside of organization and built a team that sustainable farms. Canada needs St. Louis, Missouri, attended the changed the way Kingston thinks the NFU to lead right now. I look University of Illinois in Chemistry and talks about the food system. forward to working with you to and the California Institute of provide that leadership, driven by Technology in Environmental Mara volunteers with NFU my deep respect for each one of Engineering Science for a Master's Local 316, serves on a number of you NFU members." ▪ degree. She worked on hazardous boards, plays cello, gardens

Recognition of the NFU’s 50th Anniversary Year recorded in Hansard at the Manitoba Legislature

On November 27, 2019, one day after our 50th Anniversary Convention in Winnipeg, the NDP Agriculture Critic, MLA Daljeet Brar gave recognition to the National Farmers Union's commemoration. All members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly (MLA’s) stood and applauded our accomplishment while our members stood with a left fist raised in solidarity to our past and future efforts.

The message is recorded in the Manitoba Legislature’s Hansard at: https://bit.ly/2uZH5i6 Members who were able to make the commemoration were

(from left to right): Lance Loree, Terry Boehm (former president), Toby Malloy, Anastasia Fyk, Anterra Vsetula‐ Sheffield, Madeline Marmor and Dean Harder.

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Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

On the Frontline of the Climate Emergency and in Creating a New Future

Farmers on the Front Line was the theme of the National Farmers Union 50th Annual Convention in Winnipeg in November, 2019. As Dr. Ian Mauro said during the Wednesday morning panel on the climate emergency:

Farmers are currently on the front line in dealing with the climate emergency and in creating a new future for our food and agricultural systems.

The 50th Convention also saw the release of the NFU's provocative and thought-provoking discussion paper - Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis: A Transformative Strategy for Canadian Farmers and Food Systems.

he three panelists on the Observational data shows that because of human activities ‐ T Climate Emergency panel were the global mean surface air especially the combustion of fossil Dr. Greg Flato, Senior Scientist at temperature has increased by 1°C fuels, although land use changes like Environment and Climate Change since 1850 and Dr. Flato said we the conversion of forest to crop land Canada, Dr. Ian Mauro, Executive understand why. Observational also contribute. Carbon dioxide is Director of the Prairie Climate data also shows the concentration not the only greenhouse gas, but it is Centre at the University of of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the by far the most abundant. Winnipeg and Darrin Qualman, atmosphere has increased since At a global level temperatures former NFU Director of Research, 1960 and continues to increase at a are not changing uniformly. For author of Civilization Critical: steady rate. Once again, we example, high latitudes are Energy, Food, Nature and the understand why it is increasing ‐ (continued on page 8...) Future, and lead author and researcher of the NFU's Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis discussion paper. Dr. Greg Flato is based in Victoria but was raised on a farm in Alberta. He described his presentation as a high level overview of what is changing at the large scale in terms of climate high emissions and what that means for Canada. The information in his presentation is based on Canada's Changing Climate Report produced by Environment and Climate Change Canada and available at https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2 019/. He said that a series of reports are coming which will low emissions delve more into the implications for different regions, health, transportation and so on.

www.nfu.ca Page 7 Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

warming more than the tropics The effects of global warming in and land is warming more than Canada include more extreme oceans. Similarly in Canada, the heat, less extreme cold, longer The science is warming is not uniform with more growing seasons, shorter snow and clear, so the warming in the north and in the ice cover seasons, earlier spring prairies. The annual average peak streamflow, thinning glaciers, question is temperature in Canada increased thawing permafrost and rising sea when do we start by 1.7°C between 1948 and 2016, levels. The more the climate to act? but northern Canada has warmed warms, the more these effects will by 2.3°C This warming is intensify. effectively irreversible and as long The global emissions of CO2 emissions, there will be a profound as CO is put into the atmosphere 2 from human activity will largely change in the climate with the earth will continue to warm. If determine how much warming continued temperature increases. the rate of adding CO to the 2 Canada and the rest of the world Models show the temperature atmosphere slows down then the will experience in the future. increase under a high emission rate of warming will slow down, Under a low emissions scenario, an scenario reaching 6°C by late but temperatures will only stabilize additional warming of about 2°C is century and the warming will if the net change in CO in the 2 projected by mid‐century with continue to be strongest in winter atmosphere becomes zero. To temperatures steady after that. and in places like northern Canada. have net zero CO all the CO 2 2 Under a high emissions pathway According to Dr. Flato, the future added into the atmosphere has to with no attempt at mitigation and climate of Canada depends on be removed annually. continued growth in CO2 what happens with global emissions from now on and his maps indicate two very different futures for Canada. Dr. Mauro said that we have understood climate change and the science behind it for a long time. The science is clear, so the question is when do we start to act? He said that we need to figure out how to take decades of science and translate it into something that people actually support so that they will push for bold action. The Prairie Climate Centre works with communities to tell stories and get the message out. Dr. Mauro believes the cattle industry has been unfairly demonized in the discussion of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. He says he knows a lot farmers who work really hard to protect the land but everyone keeps saying meat is the problem. So one of the tools he has put together is a short video with two

(continued on page 9...)

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cattle farmers who talk about Nitrogen fertilizer use in Saskatchewan rotational grazing, improving the grassland, carbon sequestration, and how animal agriculture can be a part of the climate solution. It is just one of a series of videos from across the country available from the Climate Atlas of Canada. Launched in April, 2018 as a public tool, The Climate Atlas of Canada "combines climate science, mapping and storytelling to bring the global issue of climate change closer to home for Canadians." It is available at https:// climateatlas.ca. Darrin Qualman suggested we do not have a climate crisis but a crisis of civilizational structure. He Nitrous oxide also contributes there was no problem but after a said that prior to the 20th century to climate change. Qualman said hundred years of high input every natural and human system that agricultural emissions in agriculture we now have a massive moved material in a circle, Canada have increased by about emissions problem. To reduce whether that be carbon, water, 25% since 1990 and that the emissions, he said we need to nitrogen, seeds or fertility. In the increase is largely driven by the reduce inputs. As farmers move to 20th century humans took these manufacture and use of nitrogen reduce inputs we can also increase circular systems, cracked and fertilizer. For example, nitrogen net farm incomes. Qualman sees stretched them open to make fertilizer use in Saskatchewan has the climate crisis as a unique them linear, and began stuffing doubled since 2007 and opportunity for farmers to break massive quantities of energy, fuel quadrupled since 1991. According free of the grip of corporate input and materials in one end and to Qualman agriculture does not suppliers and to reimagine a blowing massive quantities of stuff produce greenhouse gas completely restructured food and out the other end. This linear flow emissions, rather it is agricultural farm system in Canada. ▪ structure is causing a number of inputs that produce greenhouse problems, including climate gas emissions. He said that for the change. first 10,000 years of agriculture

The National Farmers Union would like to thank the following organizations for their sponsorship support of our 50th National Convention!

Canadian Union of Postal Workers Inter Pares Canadian Grain Commission Co-operatives First Syndicat Agriculture Union Unifor Canadian Union of Public Employees Public Service Alliance of Canada United Food and Commerical Workers Canadian Labour Congress Canadian Organic Growers

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Golden Rice Update

— by Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN)

Golden Rice is the name of a controversial rice that has been genetically engineered (genetically modified) to produce beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. Its proponents says it can be used to address vitamin A deficiency, or VAD, in communities facing malnutrition and food insecurity. Its critics say it is an ineffective and dangerous technology that is more about promoting genetic engineering than genuinely addressing the problem of hunger.

he development of Golden Rice is the staple food for people from VAD often don’t have T Rice began twenty years ago across Asia and can be compared readily available in their diets. to the importance of wheat for but it was only recently approved Vitamin A deficiency is a Canadian farmers and consumers. as safe for human consumption in symptom of hunger and Proponents of Golden Rice argue the Philippines, the first country malnutrition, which is caused by that, because rice is largely self targeted for release. The decision ‐ poverty and inequality. The real pollinating and its pollen doesn’t by the Government of the solution lies in approaches that remain viable for long, GM rice will Philippines follows a safety give people access to diverse and not contaminate other varieties. approval by Health Canada as healthy diets with vitamin‐A rich However, gene flow can occur from well as by regulators in the US foods, and the means to grow GM rice to wild and weedy rice, and Australia/New Zealand them. Just half a cup of most and accidental mixing is (assessments that were local green leafy vegetables is predictable. conducted despite the fact that enough to meet the required none of these other countries will CBAN’s latest research daily amount of vitamin A for sell or grow the rice). However, confirms that, despite the adults and children. "Promoting no country has yet assessed its expenditure of hundreds of readily available, diverse and safe potential to combat VAD, or millions of dollars so far, Golden Vitamin A food sources from approved the rice for cultivation. Rice still has technical flaws. The sustainable and ecological If Golden Rice gets all the levels of beta‐carotene farming is the long term solution approvals it needs for growing and documented in Golden Rice to combat malnutrition, ensure distribution, it could be the first remain low and variable, and food security and health, not GM rice on the global market and studies show that it can lose all, genetically modified crops like the first nutritionally‐enhanced GM or almost all, of its beta‐carotene Golden Rice,” says Cris Panerio of food. Many farmers’ organisations in storage and cooking. the farmers network MASIPAG in in Asia are actively working to Additionally, vitamin A can only the Philippines. MASIPAG is part prevent it from being released be absorbed by the body when it of a pan‐Asian network of more because they are concerned about is consumed along with fat – than thirty groups called the Stop the impacts on their seed systems. something that people suffering Golden Rice! Network. ▪

For references, see CBAN’s full factsheet on Golden Rice at www.cban.ca/GoldenRiceReport2019 or see the two‐page summary and updates at www.cban.ca/GoldenRice

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he National Farmers Union’s The NFU is proud of this report, The farm crisis new report, Tackling the Farm as it provides one of the most T We also have a farm crisis. Crisis and the Climate Crisis: A comprehensive analyses of the Canadian farm debt has nearly Transformative Strategy for linkages between agriculture and doubled since 2000 and now Canadian Farmers and Food climate change written to date in stands at a record $106 billion. Systems, by Darrin Qualman, is an Canada. Over the last three decades, the in‐depth examination of the agribusiness corporations that impacts of climate change on supply fertilizers, chemicals, agriculture in Canada, as well as The climate crisis machinery, fuels, technologies, the opportunities for agriculture to 6.4 degrees Celsius. That’s the services, credit, and other materials be part of the solution. amount of warming that may and services have captured 95% of ravage many areas of Canada this This report considers both the all farm revenues, leaving farmers century ‐‐ unless we do something. impacts of the climate crisis on just 5%. Even during the relatively This report outlines how farm agriculture and the financial good times since 2007, the majority families can contribute. realities of farm families. of farm family household income The climate crisis is real, has had to come from off‐farm KEY CONCLUSIONS INCLUDE: unfolding rapidly, causing work, taxpayer‐funded support destruction, and accelerating. If we programs, and other non‐farm ▪ The climate crisis is a threat, do not change course its effects will sources. but also an opportunity to re‐ be devastating. Unless Canada and High input costs, low margins orient our farms to become all other nations rapidly reduce and net incomes, and expensive more integrated, life‐sustaining emissions — by restructuring our and community sustaining. land and machinery have led to an ‐ energy, manufacturing, expulsion of farm families from the transportation, communication, and ▪ The farm crisis and the climate land, with one‐third leaving in the food systems — we will drive crisis share many of the same past generation. Worse, Canada has temperatures upward so far, and causes – and solutions. lost over two‐thirds of its young destabilize the climate so much, The climate crisis will farmers since 1991. Unless ▪ that our societies and ecosystems increasingly affect Canadian Canadian agricultural policies are will be massively damaged. farms’ ability to produce food. wholly restructured there may be Farming and food production in just 100,000 farms left by mid‐ many areas of Canada will be ▪ The priority must be to century and the sector may come to severely affected, with a negative incentivize low‐input, low‐ be dominated by huge operations. emission agricultural approaches. impact on the entire economy. (continued on page 12...) www.nfu.ca Page 11 Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

The climate crisis and the agricultural inputs. Farmers have the outputs of the petro‐industrial farm crisis been pushed to adopt a maximum‐ inputs we push in. Pushing in output, maximum ‐input production millions of gallons of fossil fuels But these worst‐case scenarios approach. Fertilizer, chemical, fuel, results in millions of tonnes of do not have to come to pass. They machinery companies and banks carbon dioxide. Apply megatonnes will if farmers, other citizens, and have been the primary beneficiaries of fertilizers and produce our elected leaders do not act. But of Canadian agricultural wealth megatonnes of nitrous oxide. Thus, we have alternatives. We can creation. Over the past generation as we reduce farm input use we can change course. We can build a they have captured 95 cents out of increase net farm income and future that includes family farms, every dollar farmers received from reduce GHG emissions. vibrant communities, and a the market. This threatens to drain habitable climate. The journey The solution to the farm crisis and collapse the family farm sector toward a better future begins with and to the climate crisis to a large by 2050. a key insight: the farm crisis and degree are the same: decrease the climate crisis share many of So, where’s the good news? It dependence on high‐emission petro‐ the same causes, and many of the begins with the knowledge that a industrial farm inputs and increase same solutions. focus on high‐output, high‐input reliance on ecological cycles, agriculture is the primary cause of biology, energy from the sun, and At the core of agricultural both the farm crisis and the increase the knowledge, wisdom, and judg‐ policies in Canada and many other in agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) ment of farm families on the land. nations is a focus on maximizing emissions. The emissions from our agri‐food production and exports – farm and food systems are simply but this has also led us to maximize

Low-input agriculture: toward solutions to the climate and farm crises

Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis also  Maximizing on‐farm renewable‐energy produc‐ contains detailed plans for easing both crises tion as well as locally and co‐operatively owned through on‐farm measures and government policies large‐scale solar and wind power projects. that can reduce Canadian farm GHG emissions by  Reducing food waste, minimizing over‐processing 30% by 2030 and perhaps by 50% by 2050. These and junk food, rethinking biofuels, and looking include: critically at bioenergy and biomaterials schemes.  Reimagining Canadian agriculture by adopting an  Minimizing transport distances and rejecting both approach on sustainability, reducing inputs and redundant shipment to over‐centralized attendant emissions, raising farm incomes, and processing and distribution centres and the increasing the number of farms and farmers. excessive focus on exports.  Diversifying production by supporting alternatives  Shifting some land into set‐aside programs, such as organic, holistic, and agroecological ecological reserves, and alternative land use production systems. systems; reversing the destruction of forests, tree  Increasing the efficiency of fertilizer production bluffs, shelterbelts, and wetlands. and use, maximizing natural sources of fertility,  Better managing manure, reducing emissions from reducing fertilizer consumption, and providing that source. alternatives to purchased inputs.  Rethinking cattle production to maximize the  Encouraging cover crops, intercropping and multi‐ benefits of soil carbon building, healthy grassland cropping, and enhanced rotations. ecosystems, sustainable mixed farms while taking  Shifting as much as possible to electricity by steps to deal with methane emissions. looking at electric farm machinery .  Minimizing the global oil‐and‐gas sector's methane  Increasing efficiency of all on‐farm energy use releases to make emissions space for cattle and and retrofitting homes and farm buildings. other ruminants. (continued on page 13...)

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 Opening a conversation with farmers to consider  Creating a Canadian Farm Resilience how a carbon tax might be applied to agricultural Administration (CFRA) research and extension inputs in a way that supports farm incomes; agency to help farmers protect soils, land, water, incentivizes a move toward low‐input, low‐emission and our food‐production capacities; support approaches; rewards those who invest in emission‐ alternative land use, and assist in the mobilization reduction technologies and retrofits; and helps speed needed to meet our emission‐reduction targets a transition to sustainable production systems. and stabilize our climate.

Farmers have a choice: take an active, lead role in discussions and implementation of emissions solutions, or cede control to others. As our country works to cut its emissions by 30% or more by 2030 and to net zero by mid‐ century, agriculture, like other sectors, will have to make transformative changes. The physics of the atmospheric systems forces us to realize that business as usual is not an option.

Our last chance to save emissions. At the heart of this “It is impossible to overstate the the family farm report is a radical idea: though a importance of taking swift action threat, the climate crisis is also an to deal with human‐induced The policies and measures in this opportunity. It forces change upon climate change.” report will raise concerns for many. us, and this creates perhaps our What impacts will new approaches, Although transformative change last chance to save the family farm government policies, taxes, and to cut emissions and stabilize our by providing the opportunity and regulations have on their fragile climate brings risks, it also opens the reason to partially unhook from the financial positions? How can cash‐ way for rewards. The necessary corporate input suppliers that are strapped farmers find money to changes ahead bring the possibility of draining our farms and rural invest in new technologies and refocusing our farm and food communities of their financial machinery? How can we transform systems—away from the push to lifeblood and their populations. and restructure agriculture when increase yields, production, exports, many of us are struggling just to stay and trade and toward increasing farm afloat? We do not discount these We need to act now incomes and the number of people on the land taking care of the soil, uncertainties and fears nor We have known about climate water, and other species. We are underestimate the challenge, but change for decades. For example looking at a future wherein agricul‐ the scale of the threat means that in 1988, Canada hosted the world’s ture must increasingly re‐merge with rapid, aggressive action is far better first large‐scale climate conference nature and culture to create a much than inaction. that brought together scientists, more integrated, life‐sustaining, and The NFU has drawn a roadmap experts, policymakers, elected community‐sustaining agroecological intended to protect farm families, officials, and the media. We are model of human food provision, ecosystems, and future genera‐ now in the fourth decade of the nutrition, and health. So do not tions. We have done our best to climate crisis. imagine the current world with some chart a course into the future, but In a February 2003 report to emissions‐lowering techno‐tweaks or our journey is not without perils, Canada’s Senate Committee on some solar‐panel incentives. Imagine uncertainties, costs and sacrifices. Agriculture and Forestry the NFU a transformed world. This report is These, however, will be far lower concisely outlined the problem. Our an initial roadmap to begin to than the cost of inaction or conclusion then remains true today: navigate that transformation. ▪ inadequate action— and far lower than the costs of climate chaos and scorched fields. Tackling the Farm Crisis and the Climate Crisis: A Transformative Strategy for Canadian Farmers and Food Systems Low‐input agriculture can free is available to download from the NFU website at: farmers from the profit‐extracting www.nfu.ca/publications/tackling-the-farm-crisis-and-the-climate-crisis/ embrace of corporate input suppliers, reduce costs, increase If you would like a printed copy, please contact the NFU national office. We would be happy to send you a copy. net farm incomes, and reduce

www.nfu.ca Page 13 Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

Report of the North American Youth Articulation Meeting

—by Geneviève Lalumière, Union Paysannei

hirty young people from to transform food, farming and Participants were invited by Tseven organizations in the rural culture, towards agroecology the Mi'kmaq Ground Eel First North American region (Canada, and food sovereignty at local, Nation to visit the Natoaganeg United States and Mexico) of La regional and international levels. Community Food Center, which Via Campesina (LVC NA) and the allowed them to understand that ‐ Housed with members of the People's Agroecology Process met it is simply essential to meet, local Acadian farming community, at the second meeting of the communicate and exchange if one the meetings were held in the North American Youth Articu wants to participate in a healthy ‐ local community centre and each lation. The event was hosted by process of decolonization and workshop was prepared and La coopérative Ferme Terre reconciliation. During the visit, facilitated by a pair of Partagée in the Pleasant Ridge delegates were able to participants. Two cultural farming community in Rogersville, understand the place of wild evenings were held, allowing New Brunswick, November 11 to meat, particularly moose, in the participants to share the 15, 2019. community's food sovereignty. particular Acadian culture and Hunting and preparation is carried It was three days of history, which is coloured by the out with the utmost respect for workshops, discussions and visits. peasant resistance to the British the sanctity of the food. Youth gathered with the intent to invasion and its alliances with the enhance their collective capacity First Peoples. (continued on page 15...)

Page 14 www.nfu.ca Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

The education sessions focused The youth drafted a final declaration with the following on climate justice, agrarian reform calls to action: and access to land, peasant rights and popular peasant feminism, in

1. We call on our organizations, LVC, and our wider communities to fight for addition to several discussions on true solutions to the climate crisis and utilize Just Transition to ensure no the functioning of the movement one is left behind. We call for the implementation of holistic, contextually and the vision young people want situated solutions led by frontline communities to disintegrate the powers for the future. of colonialism and extractive capitalism. Connecting the youth from 2. It is unanimous among LVC youth that agroecology is a path towards around the region has several food sovereignty and freedom. We call on our organizations to outcomes for the health of the participate in this formative international encounter, and for our wider movement: creating a sense of communities to support this vital work. camaraderie makes it easier to communicate at a distance later 3. We recognize the desperate need for Land and Agrarian Reform. on; it facilitates collaborative 4. We need support in accessing land, moving beyond land ownership, links; and it builds a stronger restructuring the economy, and decolonizing our food system. We call for movement where the people who reparations and return of stolen land to bring greater equity and justice. form it know they can count on each other. This is precisely what 5. We call on our nations to enshrine UNDROPii in national law. young people in North America 6. We call on our organizations, LVC, and our wider communities to move are building: a united region beyond gender binary and to fully recognize and celebrate the wisdom where different organizations that comes with diversity. help and support each other in their different struggles as well as in their common struggles. Behind the scenes, methodol‐ closer together. Many of the peers We have also seen that the ogy and logistics teams worked involved in the youth articulation industrial monopoly of agriculture together and horizontally with are also involved in the PAP, which and trade is an issue that affects youth from across the region to facilitates the natural linkage. The young people in all three countries. create an event that resembled youth want to work together more Several young people have chosen, them for several months before in this direction, in order to build a according to their interests and the event. coherent and action‐oriented knowledge, to get involved in one region, centered around agro‐ It has been really beneficial to of the five Working Collectives in ecology and people's food work to bring LVC‐NA and the the region. ▪ sovereignty. People's Agroecology Process (PAP) Geneviève currently lives in the Nitassinan, also called the Côte‐Nord of the province of Québec. She is a wild medicinal plant gatherer and a northern seed saver. She currently coordinates ATTENTION the International Committee of Union Paysanne and the Agroecology School Centre REGION 5 (MANITOBA) MEMBERS Paysan. Geneviève represents the North American region in the international Agro‐ NFU Region 5 Annual Convention ecology, Seed and Biodiversity Collective of LVC, and represents La Via Campesina in the will be held Agricultural Biodiversity Working Group of the International Planning Committee for food Saturday, April 4, 2020 sovereignty. Little Britain United Church Hall

Lockport, Manitoba i Union Paysanne and NFU are the two Canadian members of LVC. Watch your mailbox for more details or ii UNDROP is the United Nations call Ian Robson, Regional Coordinator, 204‐858‐2479. Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas www.nfu.ca Page 15

Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

Resolutions passed at the NFU’s 50th Annual Convention th th November 25 to 27 , 2019 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

1. SALE OF HOPPER CARS Canada negotiate that Chapter Canadian canola meal imports to Committee” of Com CWD; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the 26 “Joint ‐ avoid prehensive Economic and Trade NFU request the federal THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Agreement(CETA) be removed. government disclose and justify NFU demand the federal and by direct means and by way of provincial governments take all 4. CLIMATE EMERGENCY an open letter, the process by measures to contain the spread of which they “sold” the federal BE IT RESOLVED the NFU Chronic Wasting Disease and government hopper cars to the recognizes that there is a climate undertake research to eliminate it. railway below salvage cost as emergency, and we call on all was reported in farm media. levels of government in Canada 7. LOANS FOR NEW FARMERS to immediately do the same and WHEREAS the FCC offers interest 2. AGRISTABILITY take appropriate binding action only loans to some established to avoid the devastation and WHEREAS the Harper Govern‐ farmers that are able to access destruction of our farms and ment drastically reduced the collateral through prior land food systems. benefit to farmers available ownership, and through the AgriStability 5. CIGI AND CEREALS CANADA WHEREAS truly it is passionate program; and establishing farmers that WHEREAS CIGI is an invaluable THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the need the greatest access to marketing tool for Canadian NFU urge the federal govern‐ funds; grain producers, and ment to renew the AgriStability THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the program benefits to at least pre WHEREAS the industry‐ ‐ NFU lobby the federal gov‐ 2012 levels. dominated ‘Cereals Canada’ is in ernment to get Farm Credit negotiations with CIGI re Canada (FCC) to offer specific 3. CETA CHAPTER 26 consolidation, and interest only loans, already WHEREAS the Comprehensive WHEREAS this gives input accessible by some established Economic and Trade Agreement suppliers power over the users farmers, to approved dedicated (CETA) has recently had so‐ of their products and is a clear new farmers who show a called Investor State Dispute conflict of interest; passion and long‐term interest in Settlement mechanisms modi ‐ THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the farming. fied with the addition of Chapter NFU vigorously oppose the 26, titled “Joint Committee”,and amalgamation of Canadian 8. CARBON FOOTPRINT OF BEEF WHEREAS this committee gives International Grains Institute (CIGI) PRODUCTION the E.U Trade Minister and and Cereals Canada or any other WHEREAS there has been a lot Canadian Trade Minister the dilution of CIGI authority. of claims made about the carbon power to interpret CETA and to footprint of beef production and exercise exclusive interpre‐ 6. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE major food corporations are tations and binding application WHEREAS Chronic Wasting using this to heavily promote of all their decisions on all Disease (CWD) is endemic in beef substitution, parties and total jurisdiction North American wildlife (in THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the over new issues; cervids and other mammals), and NFU caution the uncritical THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the WHEREAS three nations, acceptance of claims made NFU demand the government of including Norway have banned about the carbon footprint of (continued on page 17...)

Page 16 www.nfu.ca Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

Farmers from across Alberta (Region 7) bring their insight and expertise to the NFU 50th National Convention.

beef production (which fails to without being forced or on policies that give distinguish between intensive threatened, through means such opportunities for safe, sustain‐ industrial beef production and as loss of warranty, to only go able, urban farming. family farm and small scale through a manufacturer holders beef production) and approved repair service in order 11. SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC OWNER‐ major food corporations that use to repair items on machinery; SHIP OF SEED VARIETIES this to heavily promote beef sub ‐ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the WHEREAS funding for public stitution and urge the scientific NFU call upon farm equipment plant breeding is being evaluation of beef production manufacturers and our threatened, systems including the use of land governments who oversee farm THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the not so suitable for grain. equipment manufacturing NFU continue to encourage the

standards to ensure and legislate Federal Government to support 9. RIGHT TO REPAIR FARM that all vital repair and service public ownership of plant EQUIPMENT manual information regarding breeding and not introduce WHEREAS many manufacturers highly electrically monitored and either a trailing royalty or an are finding ways to prevent controlled farm equipment be end point royalty option on owners from repairing their available to farmers so that seeds. purchased equipment unless it farmers have the ability to do has gone through the equipment repairs in a timely 12. WATER AND WETLANDS companies’ specific service and cost‐effective manner. CONSERVATION providers, and WHEREAS water management is a 10. URBAN FARMING WHEREAS many farmers can live major concern in Canada, and quite a distance from their WHEREAS urban farming is a WHEREAS source water protec‐ nearest repair facility; necessary part of food tion and wetlands conservation sustainability in Canada, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the are essential for a healthy NFU fight for the “Right to THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the environment; Repair” farm equipment items NFU support, encourage or lead (continued on page 18...) www.nfu.ca Page 17

Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NFU promote the need to the NFU request that the federal conduct and appropriately act government provide a rebate of upon cumulative environmental the carbon levy on farm‐used impact assessments of agricul‐ fuel used for grain drying tural drainage. operations.

13. FARM DRAINAGE 15. CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD WHEREAS farm drainage has WHEREAS the undemocratic significant local and regional removal of the Canadian Wheat impacts; Board continues to cost farmers THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the billions of dollars annually, and NFU take steps to document, WHEREAS farmers in Canada Region 1 Women's Advisor Carina Phillips and analyze, and raise the profile of have sustained financial losses son Remy Petrie. associated agronomic, econo‐ that is devastating rural mic, environmental, and public Canada and our rural com‐ 16. FARM INCOME SUPPORT policy implications of drainage. munities, and WHEREAS, the China/United

WHEREAS single desk selling States trade war has 14. CARBON LEVY REBATE and collectively bargaining is undermined the largely‐ WHEREAS the federal democratic right of Canadians; integrated North American government acknowledged the THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED canola, soybean, beef, and pork uniqueness of food production the National Farmers Union price complex, and by exempting farm used fuel ‐ immediately organize a high‐ WHEREAS, the U.S. government from the carbon levy, and pressure campaign to demand has responded to this conflict by WHEREAS fuel used in on‐farm that single desk selling of wheat subsidizing its canola, soyabean, grain dryers was not included in and barley be immediately beef, and pork producers with restored in Canada. the exemption; (continued on page 19...)

What joy! Saskatchewan (Region 6) farmers enjoy each other in Winnipeg and bring so much knowledge to convention.

Page 18 www.nfu.ca Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

WHEREAS, these combined the front lines of climate factors and the Canadian change, and government’s response to the WHEREAS severe climate change injury sustained by Canada’s would destroy the lands and producers sends the clear livelihoods of farmers around message to its trading partners the world and produce that Canada does not support hundreds of millions of climate its farmers to the effects of refugees, and illegal trade actions; WHEREAS the NFU, as a THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED founding member of La Via the NFU requests the gov ‐ Campesina, has a moral duty of ernment of Canada compensate solidarity with farmers and Canadian agricultural producers peasants in the Global South, to the same degree that their and competitors in the U.S. have WHEREAS fossil fuel realized, per acre and/or per corporations have known about head, as the first step in a climate change for decades, but comprehensive risk manage‐ have used their money to fund ment program, and that the climate denial, lobby against compensation plan be drafted NFU Manitoba (Region 5) board members renewable energy, and and implemented quickly. Dean Harder and Ian Robson undermine unions and social movements, and 17. FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT WHEREAS many institutions, assistance currently of $12 WHEREAS the climate universities, and union pension billion (U.S.) in 2018 and $18 emergency is the biggest threat funds are invested in the fossil billion (U.S.) so far in 2019, and to the future of humanity, and fuel industry, and WHEREAS, the response of the WHEREAS the IPCC (Inter‐ Canadian government to the WHEREAS divestment is a governmental Panel on Climate financial injury of lower prices, powerful tool for justice used Change) warns we have only 10 lost sales, and stock liquidation successfully in the struggle years left to prevent an irrevers‐ being faced by its producers is against apartheid, among other ible climate catastrophe, and negligible, and movements, WHEREAS farmers and WHEREAS, Canadian agriculture (continued on page 20...) Indigenous communities are on trade success in the context of trade agreements is demonstrating inherent weak‐ ness as witnessed in Canadian beef, pork, sheep, and goat capitulation to COOL in the 2000’s and neglecting to fully pursue the WTO case of pepper dumping into the Canadian market by Holland, and WHEREAS the NFU has approved a resolution that identifies the degree of injury sustained by Canada’s producers sends the clear message to its trading partners that Canada does not support its farmers to the effects of Presidential Summit: NFU Presidents Past and Present illegal trade actions, and Stewart Wells, Katie Ward, Nettie Wiebe, Cory Ollikka, Terry Boehm, Coral Sproule, Jan Slomp and Art Macklin. www.nfu.ca Page 19

Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

Apparently being an Ontario (Region 3) NFU member is particularly hilarious. We're so glad you all came!

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED WHEREAS farmers have the ability organizations and movements to THAT the NFU commit to fossil to sequester carbon by develop comprehensive, inter‐ fuel divestment and encourage implementing and maintaining sectional climate solutions; our members to divest from the regenerative agricultural practices THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the fossil fuel industry; and that build organic matter in the NFU engage with and define soil, thus preventing detrimental BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT food and agriculture policy levels of global warming and the NFU call on other unions, within an emerging Green New ensuring food security; organizations, and institutions Deal framework. (including universities, credit THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the unions, and the CPP) to divest NFU examines partnering with 20. BOLIVIAN COUP from the fossil fuel industry in the 4 per 1000 Initiative to WHEREAS US imperialism and solidarity with farmers in promote and educate farmers on local far‐right oligarchs have Canada and around the world. regenerative and sustainable orchestrated a coup d’etat in agricultural practices that combat Bolivia, and 18. 4 PER 1000 INITIATIVE global warming and ensure food sovereignty. WHEREAS although there are WHEREAS climate scientists of legitimate concerns about the the UN Intergovernmental Panel democratic process and rule of on Climate Change reported in 19. GREEN NEW DEAL Evo Morales, his government 2018 that humanity has twelve WHEREAS we as a union have de ‐ remains the only democratically‐ years to keep global warming at clared a climate emergency, and elected government of Bolivia, and a maximum increase of 1.5C or WHEREAS the NFU is the only WHEREAS Indigenous peoples the effects of global warming member based agriculture organi ‐ ‐ and peasants compose 75% of will greatly worsen, and zation in Canada engaged in real, the population in Bolivia and are WHEREAS the huge amount of just climate solutions, and being targeted by horrific carbon dioxide released into the WHEREAS if we decline to engage campaigns of violence, and are atmosphere by human activities in the food and agriculture policy not represented in the self‐ is a major contributor to global discussions relating to the climate constituted government, and warming, and emergency, they will go on WHEREAS La Via Campesina has WHEREAS increasing the storage without us, and condemned the coup and the of carbon in the soil by .4% per WHEREAS at this critical juncture NFU stands in solidarity with all year would reduce the increase we must continue to seek peasants in the world, including of carbon dioxide in the collaboration with allied in Bolivia; atmosphere, and (continued on page 21...)

Page 20 www.nfu.ca Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the of suicide and mental health WHEREAS the grasslands are NFU condemns the fascist and crisis in rural Canada is the repositories of endangered violent coup that is threatening result of internalized oppression biodiversity; the lives and livelihoods of as a result of the consolidation THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the peasants and Indigenous peoples of corporate farming, and NFU lobby for the halting of any in Bolivia, and calls on the Cana ‐ WHEREAS social and economic new cultivation of, and dev‐ dian government to denounce the unrest and uncertainty and the elopment on, native grasslands. self constituted government and ‐ depopulation of rural communities demand an immediate return to and increasing isolation of farmers 23. GROCERY the democratic process; and is leading to high stress and furthermore that we call on the WHEREAS the human rights mental health challenges, and United Nations (UN) and the Inter‐ record throughout the entire WHEREAS the need to be a part American Commission on Human food chain of Wholefoods, of an accepting community is Rights (IACHR) to investigate the owned by Amazon, has been crucial to health and wellbeing; violence and human rights found to be the worst in the violations that are taking place, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED supermarket industry in both the and to safeguard both democracy that the NFU develop ways to European Union and the United and justice in Bolivia; and support members’ mental health States, and and social connection, as well as BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the NFU WHEREAS there is no significant adding counselling coverage to condemn the role of Canadian study done on supermarket the NFU health benefits extractivism in Bolivia, and advise supply chains in Canada, and available; and the Canadian government not WHEREAS over 98% of food allow mining interests to impede BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sales in Canada are done in democracy; and NFU advocate for publicly funded supermarkets; Medicare coverage of mental BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the health services that meet the we call on the Canadian media NFU commit to research on the needs of farmers and rural people. to accurately and transparently supply chain of Canadian

document and disseminate supermarkets and call on information about the events 22. NATIVE GRASSLANDS supermarket owners to pay unfolding in Bolivia. WHEREAS native grasslands are the prices that allow their suppliers most endangered ecosystem; and to maintain safe and equitable 21. MENTAL HEALTH working conditions for all WHEREAS grasslands are vital to

WHEREAS the personal is the health of wildlife and planet; farmers and workers. ▪ political and the high incidents and

The lovely and smart folks from Manitoba (Region 5) enjoy the 50th National Convention in their own province. www.nfu.ca Page 21

Winter 2020 Volume 25 / Issue 4

The Beingessner Award for Excellence in Writing

The National Farmers Union would like to congratulate KOLBY PETERSON, winner of the Beingessner Award for Excellence in Writing. Kolby farms, dreams, and writes on Wildwood Farm near Pouce Coupe, BC, on Treaty 8 land. Together with her mentors and friends, Tim and Linda Ewert, she is working to co-create a co-operative and intergenerational farm. They are endeavoring to find more farmers for their human team, while using their Percheron horse team whenever possible to complete work at a joyful and non-industrial pace. Kolby works with Young Agrarians, and helped plan the North American La Via Campesina Youth Gathering in New Brunswick this past November. Kolby is celebrating her 1 year membership anniversary with the National Farmers Union.

. — Hope Beneath Our Feet —

ike any dying language, the for all beings’ sakes. As one of mentality as the one that is L remaining speakers are too many farmers in this world, we creating this crisis. Rampant often silent, or silenced. Should certainly have the capacity to write consumption and competitiveness we choose to listen, we may hear and share a different story, should remain unquenched, global their fluency through their we find the collective will. Let this economies remain dependent on a tongues, but only the observant story first be one of remembering paradigm of growth that cannot be sees their language written on the a language of regeneration, then of sustained, and the majority of the land. This language is the fluency in generative living. Let it perpetrators pushing agendas of relationship between humankind be one that the land will illustrate, the aforementioned paradigm and Earth of a reciprocal kind ‐ a and hopefully the climate heeds. remain untouched by the conse‐ relationship that models how living Let this be the honorable legacy of quences of the crisis they are a human life can be a generative farmers. perpetuating. Nothing short of a force and does not have to deplete global socio economic restructur What could this story look like? ‐ ‐ the very entity necessary for life. ing seems to be in order to fight Mother Nature has 4.5 billion years Earth is our lifeline, yet it is the the climate crisis as well as the of research and development planet that is growing sick so ethical and moral crisis we are under her belt. She is an expert in economic health can be bolstered, steeped in. Daunting though this generative existence, where life the planet whose climate is seems, let us not underestimate or flows into life, where synergy and unravelling into chaos because of undervalue what farmers are abundance abound, and where unbridled greed and lack of capable of in using the wisdom of perfection is an inherent quality foresight, the planet who sustains the land, the genius of roots, and designed into natural processes all life but whose pulse will grow the science of soil. and cycles. Let her be our guide weak should we continue living at and inspiration for the design of Farmers are truly in a unique her expense. our agroecosystems. position to build and transform soil Thick tongued, clumsy speaker capable of sequestering and ‐ No singular technological that I am, I understand that stabilizing carbon. Rather than messiah exists as a fix‐all. Leaking learning this language may be the looking skyward for ethereal carbon dioxide into outer space, or most important task of my time, solutions, I propose humbly pumping it below ocean floors, are for all human beings to participate, propositions born from the same (continued on page 23...)

Page 22 www.nfu.ca Volume 25 / Issue 4 Winter 2020 bowing our heads and examining communities, providing pride and nitrogen‐fixing shelterbelt; a the hope beneath our feet. If we purpose in meaningful work swamp left intact and fenced off want the soils to do the behemoth, through growing grass roots and from livestock; or soil with herculean task of absorbing the grassroots movements where enviable aggregates full of atmospheric carbon responsible young people see that greener mycorrhizae ‐ these don’t exactly for climate chaos, our partnership pastures can be found right demand headlines or evoke noble with soil must be reciprocal. We outside the farmhouse door. Let us imagery of what being on the front must give back. No longer can we know our neighbours, nourish one lines look like. However, the force function these agricultural another, and build the solutions to climate crisis are as ecosystems by conscripting communities we really want to live diverse as the lands upon which within. we farm and may combine the thousands upon thousands of radically ordinary with the acres into producing maximum Farmers must relinquish the extraordinary. We are being called bushels for commodity markets. idea that we need to walk the to try. Let us heed this call. Farms cannot survive on front lines alone. Less than 2% of intravenous chemical inputs; they this nation’s population farms, and What does learning a language really do need to feed themselves. this small number of people of generative farming entail? If degenerative systems continue cannot uphold the amount of Perhaps asking, first, what is to act as the legs propping up attention, diversity of skills, and needed of us on this land, and then farms and soil continues to be an love that it takes to manage listening deeply. We might be complex agroecosystems properly. asked to reimagine how we live externality, our partnership is This climate crisis asks for more and work, and should we boldly failing. Let us farm like soil people with intimate relationships show up as we are needed amidst matters, with living roots in the with the land, who feel the land as our climate crisis, our legacy will ground, with polycultures and an extension of themselves, who stretch well beyond the farm perennials, with minimum soil know every knoll and heave. The gates. It will be written on the land disturbance, and with integrated masses grow food for the masses, and span many generations. This livestock. rather than the few growing for critical and subtle language will be Our farms must not only feed the many. The community takes on passed on, and it will say that we themselves, but the community the risks and the rewards of the stood not only at the front lines of surrounding them. Economies farm. Let us find insurance in one a climate crisis, but for the future shrinking to a bioregional scale another. of all things. ▪ may just be the richest thing our A properly grazed and rested communities can endeavour in. We pasture; a strategically placed can rejuvenate our rural

The Beingessner Award is part of the NFU Youth’s Campaign for New Farmers, and is given to the authors of the best 500-1000 word essay on agriculture and food issues in Canada. The theme of this year’s essay was What does farming in a changing climate look like to you? The Beingessner Award is named after Paul Beingessner of Truax, Saskatchewan, who passed away in the spring of 2009 in a tragic farm accident. Paul was born on April 26, 1954, and returned to the family farm after obtaining his BA (Hon) in Psychology in 1976 and working with youth in Regina for a few years. Described as the “godfather of modern shortline railways” by former NFU President Stewart Wells, Paul was instrumental in the founding of Saskatchewan’s first shortline railway, Southern Rails Co-operative, and served as general manager from 1991 to 1997. When he left Southern Rails, he stayed on as a board member, and worked with the Ministry of Highways Short Line Advisory Unit supporting other efforts of farmers to start shortline railways. Since 1991, Paul wrote a weekly column on farming and transportation issues with a social justice focus featured in papers across Western Canada. After leaving the government in 1999, his expertise on transportation issues resulted in consulting work across Western Canada and the United States. Beingessner also served as a Sask. Wheat Pool Delegate from 1996 to 1998, was an ardent supporter of the CWB and ran for the position of director in 2008.

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st

Vice

Region Coordinator,

Sproule,

Vice President, Parksville, (705)738

th ON;

Ph: ON; Hwy

to27 President, 390,

1

President Facilitated byJamesHutt

PE; Rodney, Justin

AB; Coordinator,

Ian (306) 6

6

______

Women’s

Rowena,

Board N,

(November 25&26) ‐

Julie

Marcelle BC. 3993 Robson, 1312 th

(November 26) (November RR

Levesque,

Waskatenau, 652 , 2019–Winnipeg,Manitoba

Fort

(Policy), Enman

ON; 5, Phone:

Member, (November 27) (November Pleasant

‐ Email: Guelph, (November 25) (November 9465

. Orders will be mailed out. Orderswillbemailedout. . [email protected]

NB

Region President, St. Rogersville, Hilary Paulin

(November 25) (November

,

Winnipeg, John,

E7H Prince

Red (November 26) (November Email: [email protected]

Ridge,

ON

Cochin, , Moore, 5 AB;

4N2

Deer ______Pass Coordinator,

BC;

N1H Rupert, Perth,

Peter

[email protected]

NB;

Rogersville,

Jessie Ph: MB.

County,

Lake,

SK; Region 6J2

Eggers ON; (Nov. 27)

Byron BC. (506)

Dixie

MacInnis, ON;

Deleau, AB; Stuart 3

, 273 Green,

Petrie, NB

Board Region

Anastasia Stewart

______

E4Y ‐

4328

Oke,

Youth MB;

Member,

Region Region

1C8 7 # of CDs

Wells, Youth Glenn Board

Vice Fyk,

6 1