Other Publications
Non-periodical publications by the National Farmers Union and relevant publications by others.
2014
A Seed Act for Farmers, not Corporations
A National Farmers Union webinar, offered in collaboration with Food Secure Canada to learn about the new omnibus bill, Bill C-18, the Agriculture Growth Act, and the National Farmers Union's proposals for a Farmers Seed Act was held onThursday, February 13th.
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Bill C-18, A Corporate Agribusiness Promotion Act
Bill C-18, the "Agricultural Growth Act" omnibus bill, amending several federal agricultural laws, was introduced in Parliament on December 9, 2013. If passed, it will give multi-national agri-business much more money, power and control while increasing farmers' costs and reducing farmers’ autonomy and Canadian sovereignty. The NFU has identified key points based on its detailed analysis.
Read More2013
Bill C-18 and Farmers’ Privilege – What is the whole story?
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz claims that Bill C-18, the Agriculture Growth Act, will not stop farmers from saving seed. But is he telling the whole story?
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CSTA “Coexistence Plan” a Gateway to GM Alfalfa Contamination
Canadian farmers and consumers oppose the release of genetically engineered (also called genetically modified, or GM) alfalfa because it is impossible to keep it from spreading to farms, fields and food sources where it is not wanted. Altered gene sequences are contained in the plant's pollen, which is carried by bees from flower to flower, over long distances.
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The Inevitability of Contamination from GM Alfalfa Release in Ontario
The case for preventing the introduction of Roundup Ready Alfalfa: If GM alfalfa is introduced in Eastern Canada, contamination of non-GM alfalfa will be unavoidable. There are several ways in which this gene flow can occur.
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Land Grabs – Industrial agriculture displaces the world’s poor for profit
by Susan MacVittie, published in the Watershed Sentinel, March/April 2013
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Working for Farm Families for 40 Years – NFU History Book
The NFU was formed in 1969 through a merger of the Saskatchewan Farmers Union, the Ontario Farmers Union, the Farmers Union of British Columbia, and the Farmers Union of Alberta. In addition to these provincial unions, farmers from the Maritime provinces—not organized into farmers’ unions at the time—also became part of the NFU structure.
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Fact Sheet: Will CETA help family farmers in Canada?
According to media reports, the last stages of negotiating CETA are stalled due to a few very difficult issues, with agriculture being one of the most important. Many commentators are framing the matter as stubborn dairy producers preventing all of Canada from cashing in on CETA.
Read More2012
Renfrew County Local of NFU – Letter Requesting Drought Assistance, Oct 1, 2012
"Further to letters written to you under dates July 16th, July 24th, August 1st and August 20th, the Renfrew County National Farmers Union Executive has instructed me to again update the above on the 2012 drought situation many farmers in Renfrew County continue to deal with. Attached you will find a September 27, 2012 Article titled "County Still in Level II Drought."
Read MoreAgriRecovery Assessment for Drought in Ontario
The NFU – Ontario sent a survey to members and received responses from farmers across the province including Bruce, Elgin, Grey, Huron, Lanark, Lennox and Addington, Ottawa, Oxford and Renfrew counties. Those who responded are working anywhere from 8 to 500 acres. Their crops/activities include beef, sheep, pork, pasture/hay, wheat, spring grains, soybeans, spelt, corn, mixed vegetables, strawberries and horse breeding.
Read More1984 in 2012 – The Assault on Reason
In his novel 1984, George Orwell paints a portrait of a nightmarish future where rights that we now take for granted – the freedom of assembly, speech and to trial – have all been suspended. Acceptance of this totalitarian state is justified by the interests of stability and order, and by the needs a perpetual war. But what makes 1984 endure where other dystopian novels have been forgotten is that Orwell removed one more right that is even more unimaginable in a modern context – the right to think.
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