Party Agriculture Platforms For May 2 Election

CONSERVATIVE PARTY: A Conservative government would invest $100 million over five years into the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, extend accelerated writeoffs for new food-processing equipment and create a $50-million agriculture innovation fund. It would increase support for the Agriculture and Food Trade Commissioner Service and the Market Access Secretariat to find new markets for Canadian

Outlook Improving, But Problems Remain, Politicos Tell CFA

The next few years appear positive for farmers with both crop and livestock prices on the rise, says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Farmers have rebounded from the BSE crisis in the beef industry, influenza outbreaks in the poultry sector, widespread bankruptcies among pork farmers and depressed grain prices, he told the annual meeting of the


CGC Seeks A Doubling Of Fees

The Canadian Grain Commission wants to more than double its service fees in anticipation that Ottawa will soon cut back support for the agency. Under the proposal, fees, which have been frozen since 1991, could average $1.80 a tonne, up from about 70 cents, said CGC spokesman Remi Gosselin. “We are getting 50 per cent

CWB Turns 75 Years Old

“This milestone is particularly significant to many international customers, who view our longevity as a sign of stability in an often volatile world market environment.” – CWB CHAIRMAN ALLEN OBERG The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) turned 75 years old July 5. Loved by some and despised by others, its future is far from clear. The


More Rural Internet Service Promised

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has been trying to build up his party’s profile in rural Canada with policy pronouncements on firearms and food policy. He didn’t get much reaction until he announced May 4 that a Liberal government would ensure high-speed Internet service right across Canada. Industry Minister Tony Clement quickly defended the Harper government’s

Liberals Propose National Food Policy

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has served up a five-point National Food Policy with entrees for both consumers and farmers on the menu. Speaking on a farm just north of Toronto in late April, Ignatieff said a Liberal government would work toward making more homegrown food available, while pulling the farm sector back from the financial



Ghost Of The Crow

JOHN MORRISS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Afew years ago CBC’s “As it Happens” radio show host introduced a political panel on federal-provincial equalization with the question “Now that the Crowsnest rate is no longer an issue, is equalization destined to take its place as a synonym for ‘bore you to death?’” For those who participated in the


Appeal Court Restores “Gag Order” On CWB

The Federal Court of Appeal has res tored the federal government’s “gag order” against the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). It means the CWB isn’t allowed to spend money advocating to keep its single-desk marketing powers. However, the rul ing says individual CWB directors and even staff can speak publicly in support of single-desk selling as

Expanded Alta. Ethanol Plant Gets $23M

Afederal program to boost Canadian biofuel production will put up $23.2 million to back processor Permolex’s facility at Red Deer, Alta. The investment, announced April 8 in Red Deer by the federal Natural Resources Department, flows through the ecoEnergy for Biofuels Initiative, a nine-year, $1.5 billion “operating incentive” fund launched in 2007. The Permolex facility,