By Darcy Pawlik When I began my career in agriculture, I was an idealistic AgVocate. My aim was simple: help farmers succeed. I believed technology would bring higher yields, stronger crops, more sustainable practices. But as I moved from plant breeding into biotechnology and later into policy, investment, and corporate leadership, I learned that science... Read More
Category: Canadian Agriculture Policy
Quebec has a new agriculture minister for the first time in seven years, as Donald Martel was appointed to the post in a cabinet shuffle on Wednesday. He replaces André Lamontagne, who had served in the role since 2018. Martel was first elected to the National Assembly of Quebec in the 2012, and represents a... Read More
The Canadian government's initial list of nation-building projects to be fast-tracked does not include any infrastructure that would benefit bulk agricultural exports off Canada's West Coast. Prime Minister Mark Carney in Edmonton on Thursday announced the first series of projects being referred to the government's new "Major Projects Office" (MPO), which has been set up... Read More
Philippe Rheault is a former Canadian diplomat to China and currently the director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, focused on Canada–China trade tensions and broader geopolitical implications. He sat down with RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney for a deep-dive into Canada's position in the global marketplace, what China's trade tactics could... Read More
As Canadian canola faces steep losses from China’s tariffs, domestic biofuel production has emerged as a potential market demand lifeline. But Rick White, president and CEO of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), says biofuels can only cover part of the gap. "If we get exactly what the biofuel market needs here in Canada, we... Read More
Challenges to farm profitability and the need to resolve trade challenges with China were two of the over-arching topics discussed as federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture held their annual meeting in Winnipeg this week. "It's a very difficult time for farmers. It's something that we discussed at length in this this room this... Read More
As the largest buyer of canola seed from Canada, China’s actions to restrict imports of Canadian canola seed, oil, and meal carry undeniable weight in the market, and the long-term market implications may be more complex than they appear at first glance. Speaking with Shaun Haney on RealAg Radio, Jon Driedger of LeftField Commodity Research... Read More
The Chinese government has formally extended its anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports by six months, until March 9, 2026. The investigation was launched in September 2024 shortly after the Canadian government announced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. It was due to be completed within 12 months, with the option of a... Read More
The Carney government's promise to update Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) could create an opportunity to block fraudulent used cooking oil (UCO) imports, according to the federal agriculture minister. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the government's intent to amend the CFR as part of a package of supports for "strategic sectors" affected by tariffs announced... Read More
By Tyler McCann September marks the end of summer and the start of something new. It usually coincides with the ramp-up of harvest and the start of the fall calf run. It also starts the clock on the return of Parliament and kicks the government back into high gear. This year it also marks the... Read More