Feb. 22, 2009, Regina — A Farm Credit Canada Vision Panel survey of agricultural producers and business leaders from across Canada shows optimism in spite of the current economic situation. (Includes alternative energy video link; see below.)
Fifty-four per cent of the 4,300 respondents say they are optimistic about the future of agriculture – up one per cent from last year. Nearly one quarter of respondents (22 per cent) plan on expanding their operations in the next five years.
These results were released during FCC’s second annual Ag Day in Canada, a celebration held earlier this year in 89 locations across the country that acknowledges the unique and important role of agriculture.
Ag Day provided leading-edge information to producers and agribusiness operators regarding the 2009 production year and celebrated those who live and breathe agriculture. Topics discussed included energy conservation, innovative technologies, farm safety and land values across Canada.
Also discussed were alternative fuels. FCC has posted a YouTube video on the topic. It includes a unique greenhouse application by a vegetable grower in Leamington, Ontario.
As part of the Ag Day in Canada celebrations, FCC announced a $100,000 investment in Agriculture in the Classroom that will allow teachers across Canada to access new agriculture educatio n materials that teach children how food gets from the farmgate to their plate. Agriculture in the Classroom programs across Canada build an awareness and understanding of sustainable agriculture and food systems by providing educational programs and resources to students and teachers.
|
