At the moment we should be celebrating the resurgence of our farming industry. That development should be welcomed.
It has come after several years of less prosperous conditions. It has been a vital part of our past and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
However, our enthusiasm must be tempered by longer-term problems.
It must be recognized, of course, that 100 years ago we primarily were an agrarian nation. It shaped out our identity across Canada, picking potatoes in Prince Edward Island, milking cows in Ontario and Quebec, and harvesting wheat fields in the prairies.
There are still are many small farms on which one person and his family do all the work. For the most part, however, farming has become “big business,” requiring investment in land, livestock, buildings and equipment. Modern farming requires special skills, acquired from a family farm background or some university, farm institute or college.
Clearly, things are changing. We have evolved primarily into a suburban and urban country. Problems in our farming industry are looming, entailing major difficulties for our economy and our way of life.
We should become aware of the frustrations facing young people who want to learn about farming. We can see that young people now no longer can start as farmers, unless they inherit a farm or are wealthy. The most immediate obstacles are land prices.
In recent years crop prices have soared, reflecting the demand equation. Rising population growth and incomes, and the desire for meat rose. Prospects are for a continuation of these trends.
As a consequence land prices have risen spectacularly, in part because of the boom in real estate values. Low interest rates have meant that there is intense competition for farmland from those already farming and wishing to expand their operations. One does hear of some individuals establishing themselves, but that is against the odds. Certainly, the industry needs more support.
Something must be done to help young people get established as farmers in order to ensure our future. Long-term loans for those who wish to become farmers are essential. Small farms often are shut out of the market dominated by grocery chains. This restraint of trade should be curbed. The young farmers should be given a tax holiday on their land.
Hence, the revival of farming must be good news, but steps must be taken to ensure its future.