Whereas 1 an increasingly small group of companies has gained control over the food supply and is generating huge profits; and
Whereas 2 farm income for a number of agricultural commodities has declined while prices to consumers have increased, often making nutritious food unaffordable for many low-income families; and
Whereas 3 Canadian farmers cannot compete globally against lower agriculture and labour standards in other countries; and
Whereas 4 worldwide food shortages are likely to result from global warming and continued population growth; and
Whereas 5 Canada is losing good farmland largely due to urban sprawl and the farm population is in a continued decline; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that Canada establish a national food security policy in order to provide safe and nutritious food for the entire Canadian population; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to formulate a national food security policy that will:
a. monitor urban expansion with a view to preserving good farmland and expanding Canada’s capacity for food production;
b. ensure sustainable production, processing and distribution which could build long-term sustainable farm incomes for both small and large enterprises;
c. ensure that international agreements affecting food are based on the best Canadian standards;
d. recognize that supply managed systems help to stabilize the supply of high quality food for consumption in Canada at affordable prices and help to stabilize farm incomes within the marketplace; and
e. ensure safe and nutritious food for all Canadians including those on low income and those who are geographically isolated.
