The Ecuadorian flag flies. PHOTO: YAMIL SALINAS MARTÍNEZ/CREATIVE COMMONS

Canadian government sees agriculture win in free trade agreement with Ecuador

Access for key agriculture exports gained, but not at the cost of supply management

Canada's new free trade deal with Ecuador will provide preferential treatment for Canada's key agriculture exports, such as grains and oilseeds, cereals, meat, pulse crops, processed foods and "sugar-containing" products but won't allow additional access to Canada for for supply-managed products such as dairy, poultry and eggs.



Lindsey and Chris Raupers tell the story of how their business, Engrained Flour Co., got started, at Manitoba Ag Days 2025 in Brandon on Jan. 22.

Western Manitoba farm keeps flour milling local

Engrained Flour Co., owned and operated by Chris and Lindsey Raupers, brings farm-to-table flour milling service to Canadian food companies and restaurants

Engrained Flour Co., owned and operated by Chris and Lindsey Raupers, brings farm-to-table flour milling service to Canadian food companies and restaurants

(Manitoba Co-operator file photo by Alexis Stockford)

Drought leaves Canadian farmers unpaid

Failure of unlicensed companies, complaint deadline, insufficient security seen as holes in farm support

Hundreds of Canadian farmers have received delayed payments for their crops or not been paid at all, as a growing number of grain-buying firms declare bankruptcy amid drought and low commodity prices, according to interviews with dozens of farmers, a government agency, and a review of bankruptcy documents.