The Changing Organization, Structure, and Control of Canadian Agriculture

Abstract

Public interest in the agricultural sector in Canada has greatly increased since 1973. Canadian consumers continue to be worried by increases in food prices and their causes. The farm production sector faces continued income instability in the short run, relatively low incomes for many (though not all) producers, and apparent increases in the degree of inequality in the distribution of agricultural income and wealth. Canadian taxpayers are in no mood, it would seem, to increase the relatively modest (except for the dairy sector) levels of direct government support to agriculture. During recent months, the dialogue on a potential food strategy for Canada has continued. To our mind, this debate, while fruitful to some degree, has not always identified the major issues facing Canadian agriculture nor clearly outlined the possible solutions and hard choices that Canadian society might undertake. In this paper, we present our perception of how the structure and organization of Canadian agriculture is evolving and outline some major areas for policy attention and societal regulation. In the course of our discussion, we examine the primary production sector and the marketing economy.