Canada’s beef cattle producer groups and federal Conservatives want to see the revival of a BSE-era program to hold cattle back against the risk of further lost options for slaughter. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association on Monday hearkened back to its March 24 list of recommendations to the federal government for support measures against the impacts […] Read more

Beef cattle producers seek new set-aside plan
Cattle groups, Tories call for revival of BSE-era program

Increased federal support for TFWs welcomed
Ottawa — The Canadian Horticultural Council says Monday’s federal announcement offering $50 million to help cover the extra costs associated with importing foreign workers this year is welcomed support. “We are finding that there are a lot of increased costs this year with COVID-19 and bringing in the employees, so having the extra money will […] Read more

Federal government to backstop TFW isolation with funding
Employers backed to provide mandatory two-week isolation
Farming and agrifood employers bringing temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to Canada will get per-worker support to make sure those employees can self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Monday announced up to $50 million for such employers to put such measures in place. As part of its response to the COVID-19 […] Read more

CFA seeks immediate cash for farmers
Farm and industry leaders say more needed beyond measures already announced
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture wants the federal government to provide immediate stimulus to farmers through business risk management (BRM) programs as part of its ongoing response to COVID-19. At a recent board meeting, the organization representing about 200,000 farmers across Canada passed motions calling for increased funding to the AgriInvest BRM program — and […] Read more

Producers invited to share their numbers on new anti-carbon tax website
Grain Growers says farmers need to speak up about the additional costs incurred from carbon tax
Reading Time: 3 minutes Grain Growers of Canada has launched a campaign to “help” federal Ag Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau build a case for eliminating the carbon tax on grain drying. “Minister Bibeau has stated that she needs more data on how much farmers had to pay in carbon taxes to dry their grain, before she will consider compensation or […] Read more

Grain Commission’s chief announces retirement
AAFC's review of Grain Act, and of CGC's future, continues
The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is seeking a new chief commissioner. Patti Miller, who has held the position for three years, announced Tuesday to CGC staff that she will retire June 26. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) “will be launching an open, transparent and merit-based process to find a new commissioner as soon as possible,” […] Read more

Carbon tax an eight per cent hit on net income, APAS says
The average Saskatchewan farmer can expect to lose about eight per cent of his or her annual net farm income to the federal carbon tax to 2020 — and 12 per cent in 2022, the province’s general ag group says. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan on Monday released new estimates on the financial impacts […] Read more

Younger aggies sought for new Canada-wide council
Twentysomethings and 18- and 19-year-olds who are working in Canadian agriculture and agri-food and “interested in shaping the future of the sector” are being sought for a new federal ag policy advisory council. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Friday launched the application process for membership in a new Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, setting the […] Read more

Fraser: The case against carbon pricing for farmers
The federal government continues to suggest the carbon tax imposed on Prairie farmers is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and may not be causing undue harm to the country’s agricultural sector. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau speaks publicly about “special considerations” for farmers, while at the same time openly questioning carbon pricing’s effect on their […] Read more

Grain groups give low marks to AgriStability tweaks
Ottawa — A recent meeting of the country’s agriculture ministers failed in providing effective support for farmers facing challenges, Grain Growers of Canada chair Jeff Nielsen says. Only minor changes were made to AgriStability, the main priority item on the agenda for the Ottawa meeting held Tuesday. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and her provincial […] Read more