China called on Friday for steps to improve bilateral ties with Canada, saying there were no deep-seated conflicts of interest, following a spike in trade tensions with many of Beijing’s Western trade partners this year.

China seeks improved ties with Canada amid rising trade tensions
Carney and Li agreed to establish regular communication channels

New agriculture minister hopes to engage farmers
Heath MacDonald says interprovincial trade and Pest Management Regulatory Agency reform are among his priorities
New federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald hopes to engage farmers across Canada on the issues that matter most.

New ag minister named for Newfoundland and Labrador
Hogan appoints Labrador MHA Lisa Dempster to post
Lisa Dempster, the MHA for the southeastern Labrador riding of Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, was sworn in on May 9 as the province's minister for fisheries, forestry and agriculture.

Cropland threatened by toxic metals: study
Up to 17 per cent of agricultural land at risk
Up to 17 per cent of cropland around the globe is contaminated by toxic metals, threatening agriculture and human health in the affected areas, according to new research published in the journal Science.

Stein appointed to manage AFA
Newly-hired executive director will lead formulation of strategic plan
The Alberta Federation of Agriculture has appointed Aaron Stein its new executive director. He'll be leading the formulation of a five year strategic plan for the group.

Threats facing agriculture need a Team Canada approach
Ag leaders, business leaders, politicians descend on Ottawa for annual event
Pride in Canadian agricultural production and a "Team Canada" approach were front-and-centre at the Future of Food Conference in Ottawa.

Bird flu spurs diner chain Waffle House to add 50-cent fee per egg
Temporary hike a reponse to rising egg prices
U.S. diner chain Waffle House has added a 50-cent surcharge for every egg in a customer's order, the company said in a statement posted in its restaurants on Monday.

Launching National Farmer Crisis Line
Crisis line is available at 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701)
As farming gleans stress from a variety of sources, the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing announced on Feb. 4 that it has set up the National Farmer Wellness Network. The crisis line is available free of charge and was designed specifically for the mental health challenges faced by Canadian farmers, their families as well as […] Read more

U.S. Fertilizer group calls for tariff exemption
Canadian and American fertilizer groups oppose tariffs
Fertilizer industry representatives on both sides of the border are upset with U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have recently been postponed.

U.S. tariffs on Canada delayed until March
Trudeau and Trump reach deal to postpone trade war
A looming trade war between Canada and the United States set to begin Feb. 4 will be postponed for at least another month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced via social media late Monday, Feb. 3.