About the National Farmers Union
The National Farmers Union is a direct-membership organization made up of Canadian farm families who share common goals. Every member of the farm family - including children ages 14 to 21 - are full voting members of the Union. This structure recognizes that every family member contributes to the farm by working on it directly, or indirectly through off-farm employment.
Member families of the Union believe that through an organization that represents all commodities produced in Canada, it is possible to promote the family farm as the most appropriate and efficient means of agricultural production. Our goal is to work together to achieve agricultural policies which will ensure dignity and security of income for farm families while enhancing the land for future generations.
Associate Members are a valued part of the National Farmers Union family as well. Associate Members are non-farmers who understand that food issues are everyone's concern, and who want to help family farmers build a sustainable and nutritious food system in Canada.
- ensuring family farms are the primary unit of food production;
- promoting environmentally-safe farming practices;
- giving farm women equal voice in shaping farm policy;
- working for fair food prices for both farmers and consumers;
- involving, educating and empowering rural youth for a better future;
- building healthy, vibrant rural communities;
- ensuring an adequate supply of safe, nutritious food for Canadians.
- solidarity with family farmers internationally
The National Farmers Union is unique among farm organizations in working for people's interests against corporate control of our food system.
The mandate of the National Farmers Union is:
- to promote the betterment of farmers in the attainment of their economic and social goals;
- to conduct projects for the benefit of farmers in the development of markets for and marketing of farm products;
- to achieve the reduction of costs and other measures designed to increase the economic benefits of farming;
- to conduct educational and research projects for the benefit of farmers;
- to promote and secure legislation and other forms of government action for the benefit of farmers;
- to promote a higher standard of community life in agriculture; and
- to provide services for its members consistent with its objects and work jointly with any other person or organizations for the attainment of its objects.
Read more about the NFU in the illustrated 40th Anniversary History Book: Working for Farmers for 40 Years published in 2009.
Do you farm? Become a Member
Not a farmer? Become an Associate Member
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What is the NFU?
The National Farmers Union is a direct-membership voluntary organization made up of Canadian farm families who share common goals. It is the only farm organization incorporated through an Act of Parliament.
NFU members believe that the problems facing farmers are common problems, and that farmers producing diverse products must work together to advance effective solutions. The NFU works toward the development of economic and social policies that will maintain the family farm as the primary food-producing unit in Canada.