Yellowknife (Dec 01/03) - Northern farmers hope to garner more attention to their industry.

The Territorial Farmers Association (TFA) met in Hay River Nov. 22 and set down a plan of action which they hope will raise awareness about their industry within the Northwest Territories.

The TFA had initially felt they needed a territorial agricultural policy similar to what the Yukon has, said Ruth Boden, president of the TFA.

"This time we took a different tact. Most farming jurisdictions have a fuel tax rebate available for off-road use of vehicles through the use of purple gas," said Boden, explaining one of the changes the association would like to see happen here.

"Looking at the Motor Vehicles Act is just some of the thinking that's going on," she said.

In fact, the TFA has identified 15 different acts and policies that could encompass some of the needs of people wanting to tackle agriculture in the North, Boden said.

The strategic planning session was the first time the Territorial Farmers Association had ever met with the Deh Cho, said Boden.

Other participants at the meeting included representatives from Resources Wildlife and Economic Development and Municipal and Community Affairs.

With the aboriginal groups settling their land claims, it seemed like a logical time to get together with them, said Boden.

"Not that we're negotiating land claims. It's simply that we're highlighting the benefits of our industry," said Boden.

Evellyn Coleman, executive director for the TFA, says even though there are only 35 farmers in the Northwest Territory, the potential for the industry is huge.

"The average annual temperature in Hay River is only two degrees different than Peace River," said Coleman.

"Basically, the thinking was get something drafted and get it to these departments and say this is what we need," said Coleman.