Dinner plate with the flag of Canada on it for your international food and drink concepts.

Consultations begin toward national food policy

Online survey and Ottawa summit will capture Canadians’ ideas about access to food and sustainable food systems

Canadians now have their chance to weigh in on what they think is essential for a nationwide food policy. Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced late last month that national consultations toward developing the complex policy initiative will take place this spring and early summer. The consultations, which include an online survey, will invite Canadians

Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Government support for agricultural innovation vital

With the agriculture policy framework up for renewal, 2018 promises to be a critical year for the future of research

The federal government has been applauded by leaders in agriculture, research, and agribusiness up and down the value chain for the promises contained in the 2017 federal budget, released just over two weeks ago. The government’s goal is to increase Canada’s agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025. With such an ambitious

Canada’s supply management model for world: MacAulay

A new, national dairy ingredient strategy has yet to be implemented, 
but that hasn’t stopped southern farmers from fretting

If American dairy producers are upset with new ingredient strategies north of the border, Canada’s federal government hasn’t heard about it — at least not through official channels. Speaking at a conference in Winnipeg last week, Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food minister said he isn’t aware of protectionist concerns coming out of the U.S. and that

Farm environmental plans to be made national

Farm environmental plans to be made national

Ottawa stakeholder summit suggests making the plans consistent across Canada

It’s time to take provincial farm environmental plans to the federal level to ensure consistency and simplicity for the industry. That’s why a steering committee of agri-food representatives is in the works to guide the transition to a national program, says Ron Bonnett, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, speaking at a recent national

The CFIA spends much of its time and budget on inspection and regulation of meat-processing plants.

Action finally in sight on CFIA modernization

Changes were first promised more than five years ago 
but were derailed by a federal election

After a five-year gestation period, proposed changes to modernize the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are about to arrive at the delivery room. Speaking to the annual meeting of the Canadian Meat Council, Health Minister Jane Philpott said publication of the changes in the Canada Gazette is imminent. The government publishes proposed regulatory changes in Part


corn crop

U.S. pulls Enlist Duo registration pending more study

The herbicide is still registered in Canada and will be introduced to 
Manitoba farmers on a limited basis next spring

Dow AgroSciences still plans to introduce Enlist Duo to Manitoba farmers next spring despite concerns in the U.S. that resulted in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrawing its registration. The EPA is requiring more studies into the product’s phytotoxicity, saying Enlist Duo might do more harm to non-target plants than it first believed after reading

Ralph Goodale says trade and improving grain transportation are at the top of the Liberals’ agricultural agenda.

The Liberal government’s ‘to do’ list on agriculture

Ralph Goodale says improvements to grain transportation and trade are top priorities, but safety nets and research are also on the agenda

Grain transportation and trade are top of the new Liberal government’s agricultural agenda, says veteran Saskatchewan MP and former agriculture minister Ralph Goodale. Other priorities include determining if farm aid programs are adequate, investing in infrastructure to protect soil and water and refocusing the government’s role in scientific research. The Canadian Wheat Board is not

dairy cow

Trans-Pacific Partnership talks worry dairy farmers

Foreign supplies want access to Canadian markets

Canada’s powerful dairy industry expressed concern June 26 that it could suffer if talks to create a Pacific trade treaty open up heavily protected Canadian markets to more foreign competition. Some of the 12 nations taking part in negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) want Canada to start dismantling supply management, which protects dairy, egg


An aerial view of the town of Birtle.

Canadian mayors launch vision for stronger hometowns

Mayors and councillors are calling for national debate on municipal issues

Mayors and municipal leaders, working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), have unveiled a pre-election vision laying out the pressing needs of Canadian communities they want the next government to make a priority. Strengthening Canada’s Hometowns — A Roadmap for Strong Cities and Communities lays out a plan that would guide federal government in

eggs on flat cartons

Avian influenza in U.S. poultry puts the squeeze on Canadian egg imports

Shipments are costing more and taking longer to get here

A major avian influenza outbreak in the United States is forcing Canada’s layer industry to scramble for imported eggs and pay through the nose for them. As the AI outbreak continues south of the border, Canadian importers must look further afield for processing eggs, increasing delivery times and transportation costs. Manitoba sources most of its