More and more Canadians are concerned about food and it has long been time that government takes it seriously. The Harper government has an abysmal record of putting large agricultural interests ahead of farmers, ahead of our rights for a sovereign food policy and ahead of Canadians feeding themselves and their families.

Growing numbers of consumers and farmers are looking for a national food strategy. Instead of listening, the Harper Government —with less than 40% support— is threatening family farms and sustainable agriculture by harmonizing food regulations with the United States and making it easier for large agricultural corporations to dominate Canadian agriculture.

Across Canada, we benefit from family-owned farms which are a pillar of the economy. But they are being threatened by large agri-business that take profits out of rural economies and put more of the food supply into the hands of a powerful few companies. With much of what we eat sourced internationally, food prices are more than ever linked to high oil prices. Empowering local food production and distribution benefits us all.

Canadians want safe and nutritious food—and who better to provide it than Canada’s own farmers. But the Conservatives haven’t been listening. Without asking farmers, as required by law, the Harper majority gutted the Canadian Wheat Board and moved Canada backwards in the fight to get better food and agricultural policies.

The Harper Government’s attack on the Canadian Wheat Board not only ignores the wishes of most Western Canadian wheat and barley farmers, it helps large agricultural companies like Monsanto play a larger role in Canadian agricultural policy. The Wheat Board played a large role in keeping Monsanto at bay—and in so doing, protected Canadian markets abroad that reject genetically engineered wheat.

People have the right to know what they eat, and where it’s from. Currently, our agricultural model prioritizes international trade over our food sovereignty and local producers. Canada needs to develop a food strategy that ensures every Canadian has access to healthy food, sustains local farms and promotes local food production.

Nathan Cullen knows Canadians want better: for our farmers, meal-tables and environment.

As Prime Minister, Nathan Cullen would ensure healthy food for Canadians by:

• Requiring labels on foods that clearly state its country of origin, genetically modified status and nutritional value while working with food producers to reduce Canada’s high sodium levels in prepared foods.

• Ensuring that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the resources to adequately inspect Canadian food and ensure that imported foods adhere to the same environmental and health standards.

• Directing the Minister of Agriculture to promote family farms and to also reflect the views of small-scale farmers in regulatory reform.

• Implementing a moratorium on new GMOs such as alfalfa which stands to devastate the rapidly growing organic industry.

As Prime Minister, Nathan Cullen would protect domestic food security and sovereignty by:

• Recognizing the value of family farms and the promotion of local food production.

• Protecting supply management as a key pillar of rural economies.

• Renegotiating NAFTA to better protect farmers, workers and the environment.

• Being guided by Prairie farmers about how best to proceed after the Harper Government’s attacks on the Canadian Wheat Board.