Agricultural innovation key to sector growth
Recognizing Canada’s large natural endowment of water and arable land, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) defined agri-food as one of six interconnected sectors with tremendous global growth prospects. But, as with the other five sectors, the government of Canada emphasized that the agri-food industry’s potential would only be realized through a concerted innovation […]
Canada must engage with China to resolve canola impasse, say trade observers
It’s time the Canadian government find a way to engage with China to protect its canola industry, say a former diplomat and stakeholder group, after the Asian country scrapped the export permit for one of Canada’s largest canola processors in the midst of a broader diplomatic spat. China is blocking Winnipeg-based Richardson International’s oilseed after […]
Senate Ag Committee to weigh in on how to boost competitiveness of value-added food sector
When I was summoned to the Senate just over a year ago, I brought with me many years of experience in the agriculture and rural sectors. I have been fortunate to be able to use that experience to contribute to the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO). Our committee has […]
Fight climate change with organic farming and agroecological principles
The ever-growing threat and impacts of climate change are all around us, with many populations in poorer countries already bearing the brunt of shifting global weather patterns and catastrophic weather events. Thinking about solutions for tackling these issues can be daunting and disheartening—it requires a paradigm shift in the way we live and in reflecting […]
How Canada can cope with Chinese market access roadblocks to agriculture
China’s recent cancellation of Winnipeg-based Richardson International’s canola seed registration reminds Canadian businesses, once again, of the unique risks and unpredictability of the Chinese market. As the Canadian Food Inspection Agency deals with the specifics of this latest issue, it is important for Canada to focus on longer-term policy solutions to address the periodic agricultural […]
Compensation for producers in our supply-managed sectors should be evidence-based
There is no clear policy nor even any clear policy principles in Canada about compensation or transition assistance in the event of economic disruption. Should our dairy producers be compensated for losses they incur due to concessions made by Canada affecting the sector under recent trade agreements? Yes, maybe. If people suffer because of trade-related […]
Standing up for Canadian farmers and their families
Each and every day across Canada, our farmers and food processors work hard to put safe, high-quality food on our tables, while driving our economy and creating good, middle-class jobs, particularly in our rural communities. All told, our food sector generates sales of more than $114-billion and accounts for seven per cent of Canada’s gross […]
It’s time for a green new deal down on the farm
The agriculture policy of the 21st century must focus on producing healthy food, providing fair incomes for farm families and creating thriving rural communities while protecting natural ecosystems. It is possible to promote resilience in agriculture so that it addresses climate change and is capable of adapting to the economic and environmental shocks of an […]
How Ottawa can address food waste
Almost 60 per cent of all food produced in Canada is wasted every year. That’s according to a recent study from Value Chain Management and Second Harvest. While that headline grabbed media attention, the results of the study deserve further examination. Yes, 58 per cent of all the food that is produced in Canada is […]
Canadian agriculture is facing a digital challenge
The world is well into a fourth industrial revolution, with digital systems transforming our economy and society. A range of new digital applications are changing what we can do, how and where we will do things, and who will benefit. While much of our national conversation about the digital future is focused elsewhere, Canadian agriculture […]
