Opposition suggests steps to save farms

The province (Prince Edward Island) should offer farmers fuel rebates, property tax relief and put a moratorium on farm foreclosures for two years to help save agriculture and the many other industries that rely on the farming sector, says Opposition Leader Olive Crane.

The agricultural sector on PEI is in crisis and this affects over $100 million in spinoff revenue to supporting industries, Crane said at a press conference.

Agriculture is the backbone of Prince Edward Island. When agriculture hurts, the whole economy of Prince Edward Island hurts, she said.

About 25 business owners joined the three Opposition members for an impromptu press conference in Charlottetown on Wednesday (March 26). Several of them spoke to the crowd of about 30 fellow business owners, workers and reporters.

They told about how they have been suffering through difficult times as a result of recent sharp downturns in the agriculture industry on PEI, especially with the imminent closing of the hog plant in Sherwood.

A lot of our employees have family, so there are about 100 people impacted by our business, said Doug Leclair of Kensington Agricultural Services.

Make no mistake about itour success or survival going forward is dependent on a vibrant farm economy.

Dr. Dan Hernick, a livestock specialist at the Atlantic Veterinary College, said losing hog and cattle farms on PEI will impact other Island veterinarians, as well as the research and development he and others have been working on.

The fundamental question is, if there are no farms what are we doing research and development for?

It is for these reasons and many others that the Opposition is calling on the province to implement a list of solutions it has developed.

It believes government should offer farmers a 100 per cent forgiveness policy for property taxes on farmland, and consider tax relief for farm buildings and infrastructure for the next two years.

Government should also provide a rebate of three cents per litre on diesel consumed by farm equipment, should defer principal payments on farm loans and put a moratorium on all farm foreclosures for two years.

Crane said these solutions would give farmers the cash flow they need to establish an economically viable growing season.

We want Islanders to understand that if we dont support our primary industries, our economy will suffer. What industry will come in and replace the $100 million that the hog industry puts into our economy every year?

Opposition MLA Mike Currie said these solutions would put cash in the hands of farmers for this years planting season.

Forgiving property taxes could mean $3-$5 million cash in farmers pockets. A rebate on fuel would save farmers $1 million.

But it could cost government millions to implement these programs.

Another solution offered by Opposition is that government offer farmers transition funding: a $100 cash rebate for every acre of crops planted for new markets, high-value food and energy products.

This would cost government in the range of $1 million for 100,000 acres.

We wanted to make sure we were giving suggestions that were realistic, that could be put in place and that the government make decisions using the money that they have available.

(This article was originally published in The Guardian.)