OTTAWA — The Canadian Federation of Agriculture says Ottawa should make the industry a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, second to the health of Canadians, to ensure the country’s food supply.
President Mary Robinson says the industry is at a tipping point, with farmers being hit by higher costs and a shortage of temporary foreign workers.
Robinson says the federal government needs to establish an emergency fund so producers can overcome mounting costs. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] She warns that consumers could see a decrease in the amount and variety of food in grocery stores, as well as higher prices, if action isn’t taken.