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 […]
Bibeau a ‘surprise’ in ag role, but presents chance to ‘go to bat’ for sector, say observers
Marie-Claude Bibeau’s appointment as the new agriculture and agri-food minister came as a surprise to the agriculture community, stakeholders say, but they note that as an MP hailing from a riding full of dairy farmers, she has been a “good voice” for supply-managed industries. Ms. Bibeau was unexpectedly shuffled to the file on March 1, […]
Liberal response to Chinese canola dispute another example of agriculture file failure
Canadian-grown canola is an essential part of Canada’s agriculture sector. According to the Canola Council of Canada, 90 per cent of canola grown in Canada is exported as seed, oil, or meal to 50 markets around the world. Approximately 40 per cent of those exports go to China, a market valued at more than $3.5-billion […]
Agriculture
Grain farmers want to make agri-food economic strategy report a reality
This week, grain farmers from across Canada are in Ottawa for the second annual National Grain Week. Grain farmers come to Ottawa in February so that we can meet with legislators and policy-makers before the weather warms up and we get to work preparing for spring planting. Right now, farmers are ready to roll up […]
