Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced at Ag Days the province will explore changes to how Keystone Agricultural Producers collects membership fees from farmers. (Allan Dawson photo)

Manitoba surveying farmers on KAP funding system

The Manitoba government wants “farmers’ and stakeholders'” feedback on potential changes to Keystone Agricultural Producers’ (KAP) funding model — and fast. The deadline to fill out an online survey or download and email it in is March 9, the government said in a release Thursday. “The current approach to funding our province’s general farm organization […] Read more


(EC.europa.eu)

Belgian ‘Non’ clouds EU meeting to approve CETA

Luxembourg | Reuters — European Union trade ministers meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday aiming to approve a free trade agreement with Canada but facing regional opposition in Belgium that threatens to scupper the entire deal. All 28 EU governments now back the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which would be the bloc’s first trade […] Read more

(CBSA via YouTube)

EU anti-globalization politician allowed to stay in Canada

Ottawa | Reuters — European Parliament member and anti-globalization activist Jose Bove will be allowed to stay in Canada after earlier being told to leave the country, according to organizers of an event where he had been scheduled to speak. The Council of Canadians, a social justice non-profit, said on Wednesday that a decision to […] Read more

(Country Guide file photo)

Input costs to chip away at farmers’ shrinking income

CNS Canada — An anticipated downturn in farm income and higher input costs mean Canadian producers will be in a tough financial position this year, the head of the National Farmers Union (NFU) predicts. Farmers’ net cash income is expected to move lower in 2016, declining nine per cent to $13.6 billion in 2016, according […] Read more


(Peggy Greb photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Critics see TPP as edge of wedge for U.S. milk

A U.S. dairy sector economist is the latest observer to suggest Canada’s concessions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership may eventually lead to more imports of U.S. milk than Ottawa bargained for. Ag economist Andrew Novakovic of New York’s Cornell University said in a release that the TPP, for U.S. producers, marks a major opportunity in Canada’s […] Read more

Discount retailers’ success in Britain has led established grocery firms to cut prices for certain basic produce. (Aldi.co.uk)

U.K. grocers Morrisons, Aldi give ground in milk dispute

London | Reuters — British supermarkets Morrisons and Aldi responded on Friday to pressure from financially strapped dairy farmers by raising the price they pay milk suppliers. U.K. farmers have warned they face financial ruin, with falls in the price of milk forcing many out of work and spurring others to blockade distribution centres and […] Read more

Discount retailers’ success in Britain has led established grocery firms to cut prices for certain basic produce. (Aldi.co.uk)

U.K. farmers fear financial ruin from low milk prices

London | Reuters — British farmers warned Monday they were facing financial ruin, with falls in the price of milk forcing many out of work and spurring others to blockade distribution centres and walk cows through supermarkets. Farming unions from across the country were meeting in London to urge the government to provide more help […] Read more