This week federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture met face-to-face for the second time this year. Their goal from the one-day meeting was to improve support for Canadian producers. During the course of the day, a small change to the AgriStability program was announced which is that private insurance won't be accounted for... Read More
Category: Ag Policy
China's evolution as a trading partner is one of self-sufficiency: China has spent the past few decades weaning itself off needing other countries for many things, by investing in its own value chains and technology, and making strategic purchases and partnerships worldwide. But that doesn't mean China doesn't need to trade — it just means... Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented a "transition period" for the feed, water, and rest requirements for all livestock sectors, in addition to the previously announced grace period extended to beef and dairy animals. CFIA says it will use the first two years of the new regulation period, beginning February 2020, to "focus... Read More
When looking at Canada on the global stage as a leader for safe, sustainable, nutritious, and profitable food to feed the world's growing population, one expert says we're on track to be a leader — but the country can also fall behind if action isn't taken soon. Dr. Evan Fraser, director at the Arrell Food... Read More
Besides the weather, the issue of falling number discounts is a major frustration this fall for farmers in Western Canada. As farmers started to deliver grain to the elevator this fall, some were finding out that their delivery contracts included discounts based on falling number. Many farmers are asking whether this is legal under the... Read More
The first phase of a trade deal between China and the U.S. has been agreed upon by both parties. United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer says U.S. President Donald Trump has "focused on concluding a Phase One agreement that achieves meaningful, fully-enforceable structural changes and begins rebalancing the U.S.-China trade relationship." As part of... Read More
If you think you may experiencing déjà vu on the U.S. and China Phase One deal, completed in principle, then you are not alone. Whether last May, September, October or today — any deal with China has been elusive. On CNBC Friday afternoon, national economic advisor Larry Kudlow was asked if Americans can believe the... Read More
With U.S. Democrats agreeing to changes on the USMCA, there is now a path for the agreement to seek ratification in all three countries. After the deal was announced, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Marie Claude Bibeau and USDA Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke about the agreement on the phone, with Bibeau later taking... Read More
Federal ministers have received their marching orders from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the 43rd Parliament. For minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Marie-Claude Bibeau, those orders include several initiatives focused on trade, economic development, tax treatment of farm succession, food waste, and water quality. The mandate letter lays out what Trudeau's government prioritizes... Read More
The new NAFTA (USMCA) has a path to ratification in the U.S. congress now that the Democrats and the White House have come to terms on negotiated compromises. Both Canada and Mexico will ratify the deals in the coming weeks with relative ease, while the U.S. focuses all its trade threats on the European Union... Read More