Lisa Thompson, MPP representing the Ontario riding of Huron-Bruce, recently stepped up to lead the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In Premier Doug Ford's cabinet, Thompson has held two other cabinet posts, including Minister of Education. She says that even though she is only now moving into the agriculture post, agriculture and... Read More

Following a tour of the drought-stricken Interlake region in Manitoba on Thursday (July 22), the federal agriculture minister announced several measures designed to provide support to producers across the country affected by drought. Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau was accompanied by other government officials, including Conservative MP James Bezan, and representatives from Manitoba Beef Producers, the Canadian... Read More

The federal finance department has scrapped its plan to delay implementation of legislation passed by Parliament that would reduce the tax burden for intergenerational transfers of small businesses, such as family farms. Bill C-208, the private member's bill that was sponsored by Manitoba Conservative MP Larry Maguire, received Royal Assent before Parliament rose for the... Read More

Originally announced in the provincial budget earlier this year, the Ontario government has officially launched the new Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative. The fund of $10 million will be distributed to Ontario wineries and cideries with on-site stores whose business were impacted by COVID-19 safety measures to stop the spread of the virus. Businesses that... Read More

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced $2.6 million in federal funding for the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) to support three projects that will assess and improve alfalfa growth using artificial intelligence and develop a carbon offset system for grasslands. Some of the funding announced July 19 will also be used... Read More

Pierre Lampron has been re-elected to a third term as president of Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC). An organic dairy farmer from Mauricie, Quebec, Lampron was re-elected during DFC's annual general meeting, which was held virtually on July 13-14. "I would like to thank dairy farmers for putting their trust in me once again," he... Read More

Ministers of agriculture from federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments across Canada discussed how to respond to the drought and wildfires in Western Canada on Thursday, in what may have been their final meeting before a federal election, if one is called in the coming weeks. The ministers also continued their discussions on changes to... Read More