HALIFAX A major farmers’ advocacy group, the National Farmers Union (NFU), is calling on the federal government to launch a pilot program guaranteeing farmers a minimum annual income of $50,000. The proposal was formally adopted at the NFU’s recent annual convention in Moncton, New Brunswick.
Under the plan, the guaranteed income would last 10 years and include cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation. NFU Executive Director David Thompson argues that the measure would stabilize the often-unpredictable earnings that many farmers face.
During the convention, members also voted to lobby for a cap on grocery chain profits, targeting major players like Sobeys and Loblaws, which dominate food retail in Canada. The broader theme of the gathering was food sovereignty, with discussions emphasizing Canadian food security amid trade tensions and fluctuating market access.
Supporters of the initiative say a guaranteed minimum income would provide essential economic relief for family farms, especially smaller operations that struggle with volatile market prices and rising input costs. Critics, however, warn about the long-term fiscal implications of such a program.
As the NFU prepares to lobby Ottawa, it remains to be seen whether the government will embrace the proposal or respond with alternative policies to support Canadian farmers.
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