Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told a gathering of farmers the fertilizer emissions reduction target is voluntary. . Farm in Canada .On Monday, Trudeau spoke at the annual Canadian Federation of Agriculture meeting, where he explained government initiatives to deal with climate change and praised farmers hard work..“You guys are worried about climate change and a whole lot of other things,” said Trudeau..Trudeau said a farmer at a Langley, B.C., town hall asked him why the government planned to mandate a 30% fertilizer reduction..“I want to be as clear with you as I was with him,” said Trudeau..“We are consulting with farmers and the industry about the voluntary, not mandatory, reduction in emissions from fertilizers, not in [the] use of fertilizers.”.READ MORE Confused farmers and Tories want clarity about Trudeau’s fertilizer plan.Trudeau said the federal government heard from farmers efficient use of fertilizers helps with sustainability and resiliency, plus the profitability of their farms..Trudeau said funding for clean technologies, such as buying more efficient grain dryers,is part of his government’s plan to invest in the future of farming within Canada..“Our government is constantly looking at more ways we can be there for you,” said Trudeau..“We offer generous programs. We want to make sure they’re responding to the needs of smaller family farms and younger farmers as well.”.READ MORE Ag group claims Trudeau hid report showing fertilizer reduction will increase food prices.Trudeau said the former Stephen Harper government cut agriculture budgets and services..“We believe in supporting you, not taking you for granted,” said Trudeau..Bill C-282 will restrict the federal government from making commitments regarding international trade on certain products and has the support of all the federal political parties..Trudeau said his government compensated all “supply managed” sectors for “lost market access” because of trade deals made before his government came to power.. Pierre Poilievre .“I promise Canadians that never again will Canada’s supply management system be up for negotiation in trade deals,” said Trudeau..“There’s a bill in the House of Commons right now that will enshrine this into law and ensure future governments respect this promise.”.Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said the Conservatives support Bill C-282..“We voted to send the bill to committee to study it,” said Poilievre..“We share the goal of supporting supply management in international treaties, as we’ve always done. At the same time, we do need to open up new markets for other agricultural sectors. Ultimately our commitment is to protect supply management as we negotiate free trade agreements in future.”.Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet also spoke at the meeting.
