Ahead of the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, a lengthy list of “game changing” action items have been released by organizers, including proposals for integrating climate plans across nations and developing a “responsible meat” initiative. Taking place in September, many expect the Summit to launch new strategies for achieving the international communities’ 17 development goals. […] Read more
Policy proposals released ahead of Food Systems Summit
International and Canadian groups have identified food system and agriculture goals
Opinion: Stop selling false hope for historical carbon efforts
Farmers holding out hope that historical efforts to sequester carbon will earn them credit on a newly-created market should accept a hard truth. It isn’t happening. They should have accepted disappointment long ago, but are continuously sold false hopes by their leaders. Globally, putting a price on carbon and offering the opportunity to buy and […] Read more
Tax deferrals, crop insurance changes en route against drought
Assessments underway for AgriRecovery, minister says
Updated — As the federal government looks to manage impacts of ongoing drought conditions in Canada’s West, producers in parts of five provinces can already expect to be eligible for the livestock tax deferral program. Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Thursday in Winnipeg that producers in drought-designated areas of southern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, northwestern […] Read more
Industry-led code of conduct for food retailers on horizon
Fees create 'uncertainty' for producers, processors
A report from a federal-provincial working group says the retail sector has levied an increasing number of fees on suppliers, and is proposing the formation of a code of conduct as a potential solution. Canada’s agriculture ministers are now calling on industry to lead the process. They had formed the working group to study the […] Read more
Market access a priority in Indonesia negotiations
First round of negotiations expected later this year
Canada’s consultations on a potential free trade deal with Indonesia demonstrate a strong appetite for negotiations to continue. The two nations are expected to launch formal talks this year. Why it matters: Canadian agricultural exporters hope a trade pact with Indonesia will stabilize and strengthen their market access to the Asia-Pacific region. Already 78 per […] Read more
Opinion: Focus on social issues slows trade deals
Canadian producers who eagerly await a trade pact with major Asian markets will have to exercise patience and should be prepared for some nauseating moral posturing by politicians. Bilateral talks with Indonesia are expected to formally open this year, setting the stage for broader negotiations involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a block […] Read more
Opinion: Expectations should be low for UN food summit
Canadian producers won’t be able to rest on previous efforts at the upcoming United Nations’ Food Systems Summit and if current sentiments continue, they should prepare for disappointment. Planned to take place in New York this September, the summit will look to launch new strategies to deliver on the UN’s 17 development goals. In Canada, […] Read more
Commodity groups split over supply management trade limit
A proposal would prevent the government from giving up any more of the market in trade negotiations
Commodity groups are split along predictable lines over a proposed law that would exclude supply managed commodities from future trade negotiations. Bill C-216 was introduced as a private member’s bill by Bloc Quebecois MP Louis Plamondon as a means of protecting supply management. If passed, federal negotiators would not be able to involve tariffs or […] Read more
Parliament rises as farm succession bill passes
Manitoba MP's private member's bill clears Senate
With the possibility of a fall election looming, MPs rose from the House of Commons on Wednesday, marking the end to a parliamentary session featuring a handful of laws impacting agriculture. Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire saw his private member’s bill, aimed at lowering taxes on the sales of farms and other small businesses, pass in […] Read more
Free COVID-19 course available for foreign workers, employers
Guides available in English, French and Spanish
An online course is being launched to help producers and international farm workers protect themselves from COVID-19. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is offering the free guide in English, French and Spanish. Participants will learn methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19, which has caused deaths and illnesses on Canadian farms […] Read more
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