Stand for the Common Good of All

September 30, 2022 | Ed Scharringa

Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”

We are in a critical crossroad period of Canadian history, maybe world history. We are seeing action taken by governments around the world, our Canadian government included, that will have ramifications on the future of the way things will be done. This involves how we derive energy sources, how our food supply sources will function, and how society may function as a whole with the eco-green environmental strategies being put forward, which many are radical and based on unscientific data.

As a Christian ag organization, we must be concerned about these happenings. Whether you believe it or not, the strategies government and interest groups are pressuring will affect all of us in one way or another if we don’t take a stand.

A couple of weeks ago, Faytene on her Sunday evening show on YES TV interviewed Former Ag Minister Gerry Ritz on the issues facing agriculture across the country. Issues such as fertilizer tariffs, cuts in nitrous nitrogen applications, carbon tax, and general farm practices were discussed. His concluding remarks were that farm organizations and farmers in general better stand against these movements as it will surely impact us all down the road.

For too long, government policy has been dictated to much of society without much countering backed by science and data. It’s imperative that for the sake of our nation, children, and grandchildren that we get back to good, sensical, morally-astute, humble, and more servitude-principled leadership in all areas of life that involve decision making. That means we need to get involved. One needs to read reports and good commentaries, attend meetings, and write to those who are able to make a difference in the political field. We need to look for science and data that enable good operational practices before we get dictated to enact policies that are counter-productive.

The agriculture industry has risen to the task many times in years past to become better stewards and operators of our resources, land, and animal husbandry practices, which we must continue to do, but we must also recognize what’s been done. So often we hear of lofty goals being put before us without looking back to see what has been accomplished. Farmers have always had the ability to deal with issues and developments of new goals for sustainability to remain financially viable and to do what’s right.

At CFFO, we are committing to be a stronger voice that resonates a common-sense approach, one that uses biblical principles. We were given a created world that enables life, sustenance, opportunity, work, and an ability to prosper but also enjoy the God-given abundances in honour of our Lord and Maker. CFFO needs to dialogue and offer sustainable solutions, support good policy, and be willing to speak out against unsustainable practices and directives.

We need to seek out what’s best and take leadership seriously- and not always to just maximize profits. Seeking common good based on sound principles will still win out in the end when done in good faith. It’s long-term thinking we should concern ourselves with. What’s there for future generations? What legacy are we going to be known for? If we start thinking this way, we may see what we are doing well and maybe not so well. We have just come through a leadership convention that sees renewed hope for looking at many of the current issues plaguing us that potentially hinder our farm operations in the future.

If one wants to hear an intelligent discussion about the directives our nation is on with special emphasis to energy and the ensuing world farm-uprisings regarding fertilizer plans and the like, take a listen to Jordan Peterson and Leslyn Lewis talk on YouTube. I’m not endorsing everything said, but one can soon get an understanding of what’s at stake.

In the end, we can act and react to situations around us, but remember that ultimately our Lord, our God is still in control. We need to trust that He knows what’s best for us all.

My prayer for all members at CFFO and non-members too is that you have a safe and prosperous harvest season in the next months.

God bless Canada, CFFO, and all who care for the common good of all.

Ed Scharringa is Board of Directors President for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKXS Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and CHLP Listowel.