The Hill: Once again, farm aid is seen as ‘too little, too late’

Though billions in aid could be available under the new federal-provincial support package, the industry was underwhelmed. ‘Welcome, but not enough’ was one verdict

by BARRY WILSON

It is a lesson that many generations of agriculture ministers have learned the hard way. Giving away money or making money available doesn’t always buy farmer praise or support.

One of the most memorable “farmers can’t be bought” moments came in 1993 when federal agriculture minister Charlie Mayer stood bravely before an angry crowd of thousands in Saskatoon to defend the record amount of money the Conservatives had already sent to farmers.

It was not enough. “All we want,” said one farmer who made it to the microphone, “is a lousy billion dollars.”

Better Farming February 2008