Conservative Leader Pierre Pollieve announcing his shadow cabinet this week.

Pollieve tapping Alberta MP John Barlow as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security.

Barlow saying he's pleased to be back in the role.

"I think it is an affirmation from the new leader recognizing the work that we have done in the agriculture file over the last couple of years. Certainly, my team and I, we're very passionate about the industry. Not only agriculture, but agri food, processing, the value chain and supply chain issues."

He says there's a lot of work to be done on the ag file, noting that the Liberal government doesn't seem to recognize the fire power that agriculture is for the economy, and is putting policies in place that are putting farmer's at a competitive disadvantage. 

Barlow says they'll be highlighting how nonsensical the Liberal's Fertilizer Emission Reduction Policy actually is.

"It actually does not give credit for the incredible conservation, stewardship and innovation that farmers have undertaken for years and certainly puts us in a much better position than many other countries in the world. I think that's first and foremost, especially at a time of global food insecurity."

Other key issues that he feels need to be addressed is the carbon tax and the need to set up a vaccine bank for the livestock sector.

Joining Barlow on the ag file is Saskatchewan MP Warren Steinley, and Quebec MP Richard Lehoux who will serve as Associate Shadow Ministers for Agriculture.

You can hear Glenda-Lee Vossler's full interview with Foothills MP John Barlow, the Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security below.