This government has not forgotten about farmers as we move out of the economic recession.

We have passed the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act, giving an additional $1 billion in loans to farm families and cooperatives over the next five years. This has resulted in a 45 percent increase in loans, and 76 percent more dollars being lent to our farmers.

To ensure cattle producers continue to have access to competitive domestic cattle processing operations, we have invested $500 million in the AgriFlexibility Fund to improve slaughter practices, drive innovation, expand on market opportunities and bring new products to the market.

On a global scale, we have entered a number of trade agreements and negotiations with other nations to increase foreign trade opportunities for our farmers.

Canada has been an active participant in the World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations, championing initiatives to eliminate export subsidies, reduce trade-distorting domestic support and increase market access.

To directly assist our producers, processors and exporters at home in developing and implementing long-term trade strategies, we have invested $88 million in the AgriMarketing initiative.

Bill C-27, the Canadian Wheat Board Payments and Election Reform Act, aims to strengthen farmers’ voices within the Canadian Wheat Board and streamline the process required to deliver payments to producers.

Programs like AgriInvest, AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriRecovery aide farmers in managing the business side of their agricultural operations, assessing risks and preparing for setbacks.

Through AgriRecovery, $114 million went to livestock producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan who were facing drought. An additional $450 million was made available to help farmers take immediate action to protect and restore damaged cropland.

In addition to helping farmers survive and thrive in global and domestic markets, we want to protect consumers. This is why we have invested $223 million in the Food Safety Action Plan to support the development of food safety and traceability systems.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency received its biggest budget ever in 2010, a 13 percent increase over the previous year.

Agriculture is an essential industry in Canada, and this government will continue to show our appreciation for the farmers who feed us by investing in programs that support them and protect their livelihoods.

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