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Agriculture group wants Ottawa to prioritize aid to ensure food supply

Apr 16, 2020 | 11:52 AM

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.

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.