CAPI Think Tank SessionSeptember 8-9, 2004 This two
day session of presentations by international experts provided some
thought provoking ideas from which the group then identified 108 issues
and trends that need to be considered in relation to the agriculture and the
agri-food sector. Based on further reflection of these issues and trends,
the group then discussed the principles and processes which could be used
to support the work of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) going forward.
The general principles discussed were the following:
- The status quo is not sustainable because the environment which
agriculture operates in is changing;
- We must recognize the multi-functional aspect of agriculture both as
it relates to farm families and to the rural economy;
- We cannot look at agricultural policy issues in isolation;
- Use of best practices for networking and two-way communication;
- Ensure policy is based on properly interpreted best available
information;
- Gather from already existing and international sources and best
practices;
- Deal with longer term issues and policy considerations – 10 year
timeframe and beyond;
- Farm families, households and businesses;
- Multifunctionality;
- fibre, stewardship, land, food, non-food uses
- income, investment
- Can’t ask people and organizations to do things if they can’t make a
living/profit;
- Education and image of agriculture;
- Don’t say "trust us" to the public; and,
- Credibility.
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