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Farmers across Canada are lobbying the federal government in Ottawa for a guaranteed annual income of $50,000.

The idea for a guaranteed annual income came out of the National Farmers Union's annual convention that was held in mid-November.

Farmers nationwide want Canada's federal government to set up a 10-year pilot project that would ensure they receive an annual income of at least $50,000.

That guaranteed income would then rise each year at the rate of inflation.

The National Farmers Union says a guaranteed $50,000 a year income would help to stabilize farmers' incomes, which are increasingly unpredictable as they contend with natural disasters, global warming, tariffs, and other issues.

The union's membership also voted to lobby Ottawa for a cap to be placed on the profits of major grocery chains such as Sobeys (TSX: $EMP.A) and Loblaws (TSX: $L ).

The farmers argue that the grocery chains control the lion's share of the market and profits for produce and meat in Canada.

The theme of the recent annual convention was food sovereignty, with panellists speaking about access to Canadian food amid the ongoing trade war with the neighbouring U.S.