S01 E03: Carbon Tax
21:01
In this episode, we examine the impact of the carbon tax on producers, particularly in the prairie provinces. The carbon tax has led to higher operating costs for farmers, including increased expenses for fuel, heating and transportation. These costs can significantly impact the profitability of farms, especially smaller operations. Producers often cannot pass on the increased costs to consumers due to the competitive nature of agricultural markets and this means that the additional expenses from the carbon tax directly affect their bottom line.
S01 E04: The Changing Nature of Farming
26:17
In this episode, we examine the changing nature of farming and the viability of the family farm. Canadian producers have experienced a rise in costs especially when it comes to fertilizer, fuel, machinery, livestock, feed, land, labour and structures. There are so many elements that, as a consumer, are completely unseen in the process of farm to plate. Overall, the gap between the increased costs to consumers and the actual costs of food production is widening. In addition, there are complex regulations which can impact succession planning and handing down the family farm; and for first-time producers, the capital costs required up front make it very challenging to break into the sector. The farmer of today needs to wear many different hats in comparison to the farmer of twenty years ago.