Crane takes up cause of NFU on program administration

Title

Abstract

Independent Morell-Mermaid MLA Olive Crane has sent several written questions related to two cases involving organic certification and dual rates under the Advance Payment Program. The National Farmers Union raised objections to the the province's transfer of administration of this subsidy program to the PEI Certified Organic Producers Coop. Crane voiced concern that producers, in order to be eligible for the subsidy, would be required to belong to the cooperative, which is a commodity member of the PEI Federation of Agriculture. She questioned the fairness of charging non-federation members more to access federal agriculture programs for farmers that are administered provincially, but the minister defended the province's action, stating that the government has a preference to work with key stakeholder or commodity groups.

Date

2014-05-14

Issue

3

Title	Crane takes up cause of NFU on program administration
Authors	A. Walker
Abstract	Independent Morell-Mermaid MLA Olive Crane has sent several written questions related to two cases involving organic certification and dual rates under the Advance Payment Program. The National Farmers Union raised objections to the the province's transfer of administration of this subsidy program to the PEI Certified Organic Producers Coop. Crane voiced concern that producers, in order to be eligible for the subsidy, would be required to belong to the cooperative, which is a commodity member of the PEI Federation of Agriculture. She questioned the fairness of charging non-federation members more to access federal agriculture programs for farmers that are administered provincially, but the minister defended the province's action, stating that the government has a preference to work with key stakeholder or commodity groups.
Journal	Island farmers
Date	2014-05-14
Volume	41
Issue	3
ISSN	0823-7735