Securing agriculture's future: Invest today - Proper tomorrow, Final report - October 2002

On 29 March 2001, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien created the Prime Minister’s Caucus Task Force on Future Opportunities in Farming. The Task Force consulted - and learned from - farmers, processors, other stakeholders and experts about the long-term challenges and opportunities facing the farm economy. The ultimate objective of the Task Force’s deliberations was to build upon our government’s record and ensure the success of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry in the 21st century. The Task Force was asked to consider: the effectiveness and future direction of safety net programs, farm products that can attract a premium price, rural economic opportunities, particularly for value-added agrifood activities, and opportunities for farm operations to contribute to a healthy environment and increase Canadians’ confidence in food safety.This report provides final observations and recommendations designed to assure the future health and prosperity of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry and rural communities.