GFO and other Eastern groups say their members can't compete with U.S. subsidies.Ottawa—Good words in the Throne Speech are no substitute for action on the many challenges facing the agrifood sector and governments need to act before it's too late for many farmers.That's the message from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Grain Farmers of Ontario and other eastern farm groups and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).President Mary Robinson said CFA wants to know when the government's praise will translate into actions farm groups have requested for months. “The Throne Speech was promising, but it's the details and execution that will really determine if they are effective in unleashing the potential of Canadian agriculture," she said.In addition to key Business Risk Management program reforms, CFA wants the elimination of the remaining trade barriers between provinces, expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account to help businesses with fixed costs, acceleration of better rural Internet service, stronger local food supply chains and recognition of agrifood's actions to protect the environment.CFA will be working closely with the government to ensure that these initiatives are implemented effectively, she said. “With the proper support, Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food can be a powerful economic engine to help fuel Canada's recovery.GFO and its Quebec and East Coast partners will work together “to raise awareness with the public of the devastating consequences for all Canadians because many Canadian grain farmers, literally, will — go out of business,” said President Markus Hearle. “Grain and oilseed farmers in Eastern Canada are unable to compete with the over $32 billion in direct subsidies that Donald Trump is providing U.S. farmers.”Farmers from across Canada have been asking the federal government to provide more funding for AgriStability that was cut by the former Conservative government. “Farmers need to be able to cover the cost of production or many of them will not be able to survive much longer.”CAPI said the Throne Speech failed to connect the government's priorities with the potential of the agrifood sector to take a central role in building a stronger and more resilient Canada. “Connecting agriculture directly to Canada's success stands to benefit farmers, food processors, consumers, and the country as a whole.”While farmers are key partners in the fight against climate change, the government has struggled to take meaningful action to support the sector's potential, it said.As well, “there is an interesting challenge in the government's commitment to compensate farmers for their losses as a result of trade agreements. However, it is worth noting that there was no parallel commitment to ensure the sector can take advantage of the access those agreements were supposed to provide.”It noted the unfinished business that remains with the European free trade deal, which requires government support to ensure the access for agrifood products to Europe is actually achieved.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.