Another damn survey. We are all used to getting phone surveys on everything from your time watching TV, to what kinds of corn did you order for spring, to which chemicals do you use on your crops?
When we get surveyed, we always wonder what are the real reasons for these questions? When I received a phone call that left a call back number, I realized that maybe this was worth a call back. When I called back the next day and a Canadian answered and asked “if I would agree to a survey about some Canadian farmer’s major concerns?”
I agreed although still a little skeptical. When a few minutes later, I received an email from that person with all the questions that would be asked in the interview, I realized after reading the questions that this was no normal interview. The answers would be included with answers given from other phone surveys and when compiled, the answers would be used to influence future Federal government policies.

1. Consumer trends. Fifty years ago, consumers bought and ate what the farmers produced and what was on the shelves. Today’s consumers have more varied buying trends. Some are gluten free, some prefer hormone free meat, some prefer GMO free foods, some are lactose intolerant and many are concerned about the welfare of everything that farmers raise or touch. These could be the animals that we care for, the water that is used or misused, the condition of the soil on farms, how healthy the food is, etc. Canada now has many religions and demands for kosher and halal are growing markets. If Canadian farmers don’t provide these foods, other countries will! If Canadian farmers cannot supply these foods for export, other countries will. Remember that the North American market is only a fraction of the world market.
2. With fewer processors and retail food groups, sometimes they can control how far some live animals are transported to an abattoir, which is sometimes more than a thousand miles. Some foods are imported because it is cheaper than providing another line here in Canada.
3. Canadian farmers are not being informed about possible risks of residue left in the soil from the use of some common farm chemicals. Some residual chemical can be detected in foods years after a farm stopped using it on crops used to make these foods. Some of this chemical residue can kill bacteria necessary for digestion and soil fertility while leaving other harmful bacteria unaffected. These harmful bacteria have caused the shutdown of large meat plants and even infected hospitals enough to stop visitations. Some chemical residues can cause miscarriages and even make your lawn less green. (I think that farmers and consumers have the right to know)
4. Trade deals. The Canada-European trade deal struck fear into every farmer in Canada. The TPP did the same. NAFTA is still a giant uncertainty not only for farmers but for all Canadians. When we listen to some radio, TV and newspaper reporters we are appalled at how terribly uninformed they are. This also goes for some mouthpieces for some of Canada’s think-tanks who should know better. I often shudder at the thought that our politicians listen to some of these people and use this information to structure trade policy.
5. A few years ago I wrote a series of articles on the seven bank accounts of a farmer. These seven bank accounts are:
1. Soil;
2. Seed;
3. Education and continuous education;
4. The team or family;
5. Neighbour;
6. Political involvement;
7. Money (the only one taxable).
When things are tough, farmers only can maintain #7. Shortly after this the value of the farm depletes very quickly.

Chris Judd is a farmer in Clarendon on land that has been in his family for generations. gladcrest@gmail.com