P.E.I. potato farmer heads national agriculture council

Prince Edward Island potato farmer Alvin Keenanis leading anational lobbying group that represents more than 120 agricultural commodities in Canada.

Keenan, who lives in Rollo Bay, P.E.I., said theCanadian Horticultural Council deals with a number of issues for its members.

"It's a huge industry," said the veteran farmer, adding the organization deals with any number of issuesincludingtrade marketing, industry standards, food safety, labour, temporary foreignworkers, environment and more.

"We always have emerging issues. For example, right now we have the carbon tax issues in Canada coming on and how we will stay competitive with these increased taxes."

Keenansaid those increased taxes and operating costs also affect the cost to the consumer.

As the United States is Canada's biggest trading partner and farmers there won't be subject to the carbon tax, Keenan said CHC members are worried about the potential ramifications.

"We import a lot of product from the US and we're afraid it makes us very uncompetitive in the country in the world that has the most fresh water to produce its crops and also nourish our people."

Keenan has been representingthe Atlantic region on the CHC board and said as a board member he prepared himself for the challenge.

"I believe that it's important and we're very fortunate to have the democracy we have and the governments will allow us to meet with them meet and share our concerns for the industry."

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