It's time to rethink how we fund plant breeding. While much of Canadian agriculture has evolved to meet today’s demands, the model for funding plant breeding is lagging—and risks falling behind entirely. That’s the concern raised by Jason Reinheimer, global head of cereals and pulse research at Limagrain Field Seeds, in this episode of the... Read More
Category: Ag Policy
The Alberta government has expressed concern following a federal announcement that could see several Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) research stations shut down, including the Lacombe facility. Speaking at the Crossroads Crop Conference in Edmonton, Alta., Alberta’s assistant deputy minister of primary agriculture, John Conrad, says the province is still absorbing the news but is... Read More
Canada’s relationship with the United States is entering a far more consequential phase than a typical trade dispute, and how Ottawa responds could reshape North American geopolitics for years. On this episode of the Frontlines podcast, RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney is joined by Jacob Shapiro of Bespoke Group to unpack Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent foreign... Read More
Food and agriculture have become critical levers in international politics. Governments are using tariffs, export bans, and regulatory restrictions to move prices and reset market access overnight. Many of these actions have not only been driven by shortages but also by efforts to shield domestic sectors and signal political pressure. Food is being weaponized, and... Read More
With shifting global trade dynamics, extreme weather events, and continued budget cutbacks, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector enters 2026 facing a mix of challenges and opportunities. This webinar, presented in partnership with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, examines what's ahead for the sector in the coming year from economic fundamentals, to policy gaps, and onto... Read More
Year-round E15 sales were a focus this week as U.S. President Donald Trump spoke in Iowa to a crowd of farmers and ranchers, saying he has instructed congressional leadership to move forward on approving the E15 ethanol blend. Trump said he is relying on House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to... Read More
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has confirmed plans to close seven federal research facilities across the country, including the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in central Alberta. The move is part of a broader federal expenditure review that will eliminate hundreds of positions, with over 100 jobs affected at Lacombe alone. AAFC says the changes... Read More
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) staff have been informed this week of major job cuts coming as part of the Carney government's plan to reduce federal spending. The CFIA, on Jan. 29, confirmed it has a plan to eliminate 587 positions, as previously reported based on information from multiple sources, including the union that represents... Read More
As diplomatic friction rises between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump, RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says Canadian agriculture must stay focused on what truly drives cross-border trade: economic integration and industry-level engagement. Carney’s speech at Davos — which drew international applause — offered a subtle critique of Trump’s trade stance. While... Read More
Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) executive director Doug Miller is stepping down after 15 years with the organization, marking the end of a tenure defined by transformation, modernization, and rising urgency around Canada’s seed system. In this interview following his departure announcement, Miller reflects on his career and warns of the mounting challenges facing Canada’s... Read More