The World Trade Organization's (WTO) compliance panel has issued a preliminary ruling on the complaint sent forward by Canada and Mexico on the United States' Country of Origin Labelling rules. The ruling, sent to all three countries, remains confidential. "In the past, these confidential rulings have been leaked, so they're usually pretty poorly kept secrets,... Read More

Ontario's agriculture minister recently announced a move to increased rules and regulation regarding use of neonicotinoid seed treatments on corn and soybeans. As noted, there are no new set regulations on the product's use at this time, however the government is set to begin a consultation process ahead of rolling out changes to the insecticide's... Read More

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced a Stay of Default for the 2013-14 Advance Payments Program (APP) affecting grain farmers in Western Canada. The Stay extends the current repayment deadline of September 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015 for cash advances issued by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “Many farmers have faced challenges selling... Read More

This morning, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Michelle Rempel announced $3,844,800 in funding to support the establishment of the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence in Calgary, Alberta. “Our Government is committed to finding ways to promote Canadian beef locally and internationally while generating jobs and economic growth," said... Read More

Fairfax, Manitoba – An over $1.8M contribution to the non-profit National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) was announced today, by Member of Parliament Larry Maguire (Brandon-Souris), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and the Honourable Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. The funding will support the development of new seed... Read More

Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. and PGF Biofuels announced the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's regulatory approval for Brassica carinata to be used in meal today. Specifically, the CIFA approves the high-protein meal in grower and finisher cattle feed. This announcement, combined with international market approvals of similar varieties, will be an important step in carinata's continued development.... Read More