After two years of negotiating, debate, and threats of destruction, the renegotiated NAFTA deal has a clear path to a congressional ratification with the Democrats and the U.S. President agreeing to the required changes. For agriculture, the USMCA — new NAFTA or CUSMA, whatever you want to call it — has always been about stability,... Read More
Category: Canadian Agriculture Policy
For decades now we have frequently heard phrases like, "We need to speak as one," or "We are better together than fighting among ourselves," when it comes to agriculture policy in this country. While the phrases have been uttered, there never seemed to be any real action. Now, don't get me wrong, a historical lack... Read More
Collaboration is one thing that many agriculture groups already do, but can you imagine the work that could be done if everyone — yes, everyone — was working together to reach one goal? That's the message astronaut, author, and public speaker Dr. Dave Williams gave while speaking at this year's Public Trust Summit. "There's always... Read More
Black swan events have transformed agriculture. From the invention of canola to precision agriculture and the emergence of the African Swine Fever (ASF), these extreme and unpredictable events — both good and bad — continue to shape the industry's future. Is Canadian agriculture and the agri-food system resilient enough to absorb the potential negative impacts... Read More
Five Canadian seed-based associations are finalizing the process of merging into one, industry-wide organization, and while the move is a welcome one across the industry, the process comes at a challenging time in the agriculture industry. Still, the move is needed and a positive one, say industry participants. The Seed Synergy process is to create... Read More
There is a new seed organization in the works for Canada. The actual name has yet to be decided and several details have are still to be hammered out, so for now it will be called "NSO" short for — you guessed it, new seed organization. But while the new name and governance is not... Read More
The future of how breeding is funded in Canada is under review and headed for change. The "value creation" consultations created much engagement and debate last winter, where producers were asked to weigh in on an end-point or trailing royalties on new varieties. While some people have attempted to halt the process, others have tried... Read More
In a move considered long overdue by livestock producers, transporters, and processors, Ontario's agriculture department is set to introduce new legislation to better protect farmers, farms, and the food supply from animal rights extremists. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is set to introduce the Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety... Read More
While pulse market challenges haven't been grabbing headlines as much lately, there are longer standing issues with chickpea, pea, and lentil movement than say, canola's recent run-in with China. Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods, says that there are reasons to be optimistic on pulse markets heading in to 2020, even in the face of... Read More
In just a few days, Ontario's corn harvest ground to a halt. Not because of Mother Nature's wrath this time, but because of an abrupt end of the supply of propane that fuels dryers to dry the corn to a safe level. Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario, says that the rail strike... Read More