The Canadian Federation of Agriculture held its Annual General Meeting last week.

The Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture John Barlow told the group that Agriculture's voice is not being heard by the Canadian public or the government.

"Let's look at some of the things that are going on right now. The government has put forward a net-zero panel with no representation from agriculture. They've announced changes to fertilizer use and emissions, no consultation with agriculture."

Last year Ottawa announced plans to establish a 30 per cent voluntary emissions reduction target by the year 2030.

Barlow says it's an issue of concern for the ag sector and is the labor shortage.

"The last stat I saw was Canadian farmers have lost $2.9 billion in sales as a result of labour shortages that is a staggering number."

Barlow says they will be bringing forward a couple of private members bills to address the situation and will be pushing the government to focus on solutions.

He notes that if COVID-19 has taught us anything it should teach us that food security and Canadian agriculture are integral not only to our daily lives but certainly to Canada's economic recovery.

With that in mind, the Conservatives continue to push for a Grocery Code of Conduct.

The Dairy Processors Association of Canada notes that Canada's grocery retail market is highly concentrated with just five retailers having over 80 per cent control over it.

Barlow notes now more than ever Canadians are talking about food affordability.

"We want to ensure that the Grocery Code of Conduct that you, as well as Canadians across the country, are having access to those grocery store shelves to ensure that it's affordable for you as a producer, but certainly also for Canadians across the country."

Barlow says the Conservatives will continue to push for farm fuels to be exempt from the Carbon Tax.

Ottawa is set to increase the Carbon tax again by 11 per cent on April 1, 2020.