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New executive at CFA

March 2, 2009, Ottawa, Ont. – Farm leaders from across Canada converged
in Ottawa to for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s 74th annual
general meeting (AGM) February 25 to 26, 2009.

March 2, 2009, Ottawa, Ont. – Farm leaders from across Canada converged in Ottawa to for the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s 74th annual general meeting (AGM) February 25 to 26, 2009.

The theme of this year’s meeting was Profitability in a Changing Global Economy and changes were ushered in at the CFA as elections for the three executive officer positions took place at the meeting. This included an election for CFA president – the first contested election position for president since 1985. CFA is pleased to welcome its new president, Laurent Pellerin, the first CFA president from Québec. CFA also welcomes 1st vice-president, Ron Bonnett, and 2nd vice-president, Garnett Etsell.
 
In attendance were farm leaders from across Canada, both CFA members and non-members. The meeting provided an important opportunity for farmers of all commodities and regions to discuss issues and challenges, propose workable solutions, and build new partnerships that will strengthen the agriculture industry as a whole.
 
Canadian farm leaders were pleased to have the opportunity to hear from the Minister of Agriculture, Gerry Ritz, and bring their questions, concerns and ideas to him directly in the question and answer period that followed.

In discussions and resolutions on international trade, CFA delegates reaffirmed their commitment to Canada’s balanced approach to global trade negotiations. Discussions were also held on key environmental issues and food safety.
 
Delegates also heard from Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Official Opposition Party, who expressed his interest in working together with farmers to create policy that bridges the urban and rural divide.