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
Category: Ag Policy
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
The Bloc Quebecois has a new point person for agriculture. Sébastien Lemire, MP for the western Quebec riding of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, was named the party's critic for agriculture, agri-food, and supply management this week. He replaces Yves Perron, who has served as the party's ag critic and an active member of the House of Commons' agriculture... Read More
Proposed changes to Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) fall short in securing additional domestic demand for canola in biofuel production, say canola industry groups. The tariff support package announced by the Carney government in September 2025 included a commitment to update the CFR to support domestic biofuel production. However, the Canola Council of Canada, Canadian... Read More
Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, is confident that Canada can navigate the current economic turmoil both at home and abroad, but we have to be willing to get out of our own way and focus on what's within our control. Fresh off a trip to Washington, Hyder sat down... Read More