Ontario farm groups are welcoming Lisa Thompson's reappointment as the province's Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. The MPP for Huron-Bruce is returning to the post she has held in Premier Doug Ford's cabinet since June 2021, when she replaced Ernie Hardeman. “We are excited to continue the momentum of our positive and established... Read More
Category: Canadian Agriculture Policy
The federal government is increasing the interest-free portion of its Advance Payments Program (APP) from $100,000 to $250,000 for 2022 and 2023. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the change to the cash advance program on Thursday, June 23. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says eligible producers will save an average of $5,500 in interest costs over... Read More
If your dog is outside, unattended for more than 60 minutes at a time, the province of Ontario considers your dog one that lives outside. That matters because as of July 1 there are new rules regarding the care of dogs that live outside. The new rules, under the PAWS Act, include requirements for housing,... Read More
If you're tired of hearing about carbon credits or carbon offsets, let's switch gears and talk carbon insets. A carbon inset credit is equal to a carbon offset — a metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent is either reduced or stored. The key difference, explains Dr. Sara Place, is that an offset is bought by... Read More
Happy Friday and welcome to another edition of RealAg Politics! Today, co-hosts Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner, of RealAgriculture, are joined by a great list of guests to talk about the big ag policy issues of the week that are impacting farmers and ranchers across Canada and the US. This episode features guests: Karen Proud,... Read More
As the calendar quickly flips through the summer months, eyes are beginning to focus on the Agricultural Policy Framework — or APF — meetings set for July. Each province has their ask, and their focus on what should be top priorities at the meetings. Nate Horner, Minister of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Economic Development,... Read More
The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) has adjusted the eligibility requirements to now include producers who gross more than $2 million per annum. The previous requirements capped the small business parameters at $2 million, which left many cattle producers ineligible to recover losses sustained this spring after a string of severe weather events. The program... Read More
Eighty-six partners from different sectors across Canada have come together with a singular focus: to set a benchmark and identify the key indicators that establish a baseline for Canada's food safety and sustainability. The process and findings also create transparency within the industry, which ultimately could create trust or showcases opportunities for improvement and growth.... Read More
We all know the importance of trade, maintaining trade relationships, and what happens when those relationships hit road blocks. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC12) wrapped up June 15, in Geneva, Switzerland, where ministers from across the world attended to review the current trade system. Greg Northey, director of industry relations at Pulse... Read More
The Canadian government has unveiled its first carbon offset trading protocol, the initial step in creating a carbon exchange for federally regulated industries. For companies that must meet targets, the government allows for up to 75 per cent of emissions reductions being achieved through internal reductions and/or through the purchase of federally recognized offsets (25... Read More