GLAVINE: BEEF ANNOUNCEMENT A SMALL STEP, BUT NOT ENOUGH
Date: Monday January 18, 2010

GLAVINE: BEEF ANNOUNCEMENT A SMALL STEP, BUT NOT ENOUGH

(Berwick, NS) Liberal agriculture critic Leo Glavine is pleased that the
province is doing something to aid the beef industry, but he's concerned
that the interest pay-down program announced today will not accomplish much for the long-term sustainability of beef producers.


"This program may very well eliminate some of the more vulnerable beef
producers in the industry and profit a few," says Glavine. “Farmers may not
be able to access funding from this program because many will be deemed
ineligible due to current high debt loads. It is interesting that the Farm Loan Board isn't a partner in making loans to the province's farmers in this program.”


"I've spoken with a number of farmers who have reached the point of being
scared to answer the phone because of collection agencies,” states Glavine.
“This program will not address the real needs of beef farmers in NS."


The Liberal MLA for Kings West hopes this announcement means government is
moving quickly towards a comprehensive beef strategy.


"I've been urging this government and the previous Tory administration to
implement the recommendations from the Kelco report - the province has had
this report for years now,” says Glavine.


Only ten per cent of the beef found in Nova Scotia's stores is raised here and that share will be eroded as the number of beef producers in the industry continues to shrink. Over the last seven years, the number of farmers has dropped from 1400 to 700 in the province. Glavine points to
the dramatic decline of the province's hog industry as an example of what
happens when government lags in decision-making.


”With the industry on its last legs, it's time to really step up and help
the beef producers - lest we see this industry go the same direction as Nova
Scotia's pork industry."

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