(Eclipse_images/E+/Getty Images)

Report highlights optimism, resignation in agriculture sector

Belief industry and government can remedy policy, extreme weather, and trade issues varies considerably

A troublesome policy and regulatory environment, extreme weather, and trade barriers are the issues keeping Canadian agriculture professionals awake at night. That’s according to a joint report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) and the University of Saskatchewan’s Global Institute for Food Security on risk in Canada’s agrifood system.

Dairy cows at the feed trough.

New Canadian feed regulations released

Long-awaited feed regulation update offers more flexibility, risk-based approach, focus on food safety

It's been over a decade since the industry asked for an update to decades-old livestock feed regulations. Canadian industry finally got to see what the final version looks like.


Agriculture has the potential to further drive Manitoba’s economy, bring investment to our province and develop our communities.

Comment: Government in an uncertain world

There are a couple of asks agriculture needs to make of government

What should farmers be asking of governments? This is an especially relevant question for producers in Manitoba who are getting to know the new government led by Premier Wab Kinew. Farmers and their representatives need to get this question right. Sometimes, agriculture’s asks can be counterproductive both for the development of a positive relationship with

(LOP.parl.ca)

Carbon exemption bill nearing close of Senate deliberations

Farm groups hoped to see Bill C-234 made law in time for harvest

A bill to exempt propane and natural gas from the carbon price when used for grain drying and barn heating was nearing the end of its winding road through the Senate after an Oct. 5 meeting. Thursday morning the Senate’s committee on agriculture and forestry heard final witnesses speak on Bill C-234, which would amend

photo: MAKSYMBELCHENKO/ISTOCK/getty images

Organic sector launches national action plan

Industry groups lobby for place in federal departments

National organic groups want to get a bigger space at the table when it comes to federal policies and the work of departments like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The goal is part of a proposed national organic action plan launched in September. Organic industry groups say their products are gaining popularity among consumers and government


“Canada lags behind in terms of capital spent on research and development as a total of its GDP…” – Jill Verwey.

Sustainable ag partnership gets new revenue stream

S-CAP funding is available for projects starting in spring 2024

Manitoba’s general farm policy organization says the latest funding announcement under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership is essential for the sector to remain competitive. On May 29, the governments of Canada and Manitoba said they will provide up to $65 million in grants to support the development of agricultural knowledge and skills and improve competitiveness

Too often, governments reach for the regulatory stick rather than providing incentives for positive action, even though the incentive-based path will lead to greater success.

Comment: Go for the carrot, not the stick

Regulations not the best move for real ecological progress

There are two ways to get a horse to carry a heavy load. You can hit it with a big stick, or you can provide a reward for work well done. Think of agriculture as the horse and government sustainability goals as the load that farmers are being asked to carry. Too often, governments reach

It’s not going to be enough to have the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy on paper, it needs to work on the ground and it needs to make economic sense, local farmers stress.

KAP members give two cents on federal sustainability strategy

Cost management and a local approach to policy dominate sustainable ag discussion at KAP’s spring advisory council meeting

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) should develop a report card system to help farmers assess their environmental footprint. That was one idea floated during a robust discussion following an AAFC presentation on the in-development Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. AAFC representatives reported on the federal strategy’s progress during the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) spring advisory council meeting


Farmers often ignore regulations requiring them to apply for permits from Manitoba Hydro to move oversized equipment.

Spring KAP resolutions

Manitoba Hydro, grain companies the focus of KAP resolution session

Misattributed tax status, Manitoba Hydro regulations and grain contracts were among the issues tackled as the Keystone Agricultural Producers met April 14. The first of three resolutions passed at the KAP spring advisory meeting involved cases where Manitoba Hydro incorrectly defines agricultural producers as commercial customers. Resolution mover Colin Penner said the farmer who brought

The NFU “calling for change” that would disadvantage farmers is strange.

Comment: NFU stance on business risk management programs mystifying

Why would a farm group dedicated to farmers support a report undermining farmers?

POLICY Why would a farm group dedicated to farmers support a report undermining farmers?

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has a long and proud history of supporting the pillars of Canadian farm policy. The NFU has over the years supported good public policy such as crop insurance, the Crow Rate, orderly marketing, supply management, the Canadian Wheat Board, public plant breeding, and the PFRA, which included the tree nursery