Parliament Hill, in Ottawa – Ontario, Canada. Photo: Ulysse Pixel

Farm groups criticize capital gains inclusion rate change

Ten national organizations say several tax-related changes in the 2024 federal budget will impact farmers 

In a May 27 letter to finance minister Chrystia Freeland, agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay and national revenue minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, 10 signatories said they are concerned about the capital gains inclusion rate, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive (CEI), which were all announced in April.

“It’s a significant thing for producers that have a permanently higher export basis.” – Richard Gray, University of Saskatchewan.

Reports raise alarm over Bunge-Viterra merger

Competition Bureau, ag economists warn of significantly reduced competition, more costs to farmers

Glacier FarmMedia – Bunge and Viterra said in late April that they still expect to proceed with their proposed merger, even after a Competition Bureau review identified major concerns about reduced competition. A report from three University of Saskatchewan agricultural economists, prepared on behalf of four Saskatchewan and Alberta farm groups, reached the same conclusion. It was released April 29. The Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan was among those groups. “We are particularly concerned


 Photo: CN

Railway strike vote dismays farmers  

Grain Growers of Canada calls on railways, workers to resolve their differences 

Grain Growers of Canada is sounding the alarm over a potential strike by workers at both of the country’s major railways.



Parliament Hill, in Ottawa – Ontario, Canada. Photo: Ulysse Pixel

Producers welcome change to cash advance program 

After much lobbying, federal government increases interest-free portion of program to $250,000

The interest-free portion of the federal Advance Payments Program will be $250,000 this year, much to farmers’ relief. The amount had been set to drop back to $100,000 at the end of this month after sitting at $350,000 for 2023.

Ships unload at the Port of Vancouver.

Supply chain shakes off pandemic rust

The post-pandemic recovery is happening, but Canada is still feeling the impact from COVID-19

Glacier FarmMedia – Goods in Canada are flowing more fluidly than during the pandemic, but the supply chain is still underperforming, according to a panel discussion at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting in late February. Arun Thangaraj, federal deputy minister of transport, said the value chain is still feeling pressure. “The pinch points still exist. It is imperative that we


The global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs says farmers want governments to listen to them and consider them a priority.

Farmers urged to find political allies in the suburbs

Pollster says suburban voters hold sway in elections and could advance farmer interests, if they know what those are

Glacier FarmMedia – Farmers should build alliances with suburban voters if they want stronger political representation in the House of Commons, according to a leading pollster. Darrell Bricker, global chief executive officer of Ipsos Public Affairs, told delegates of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting in late February that suburban voters hold the greatest