The Canadian Senate is getting into the nitty gritty of Canadian soil health as a long-term study reaches the mid-point for witness testimonials. “It’s one of Canada’s most precious natural resources. Soil conservation is a top-of-mind matter for all of us in the agriculture and agri-food sector,” Senator Rob Black told the Christian Farmers Federation […] Read more
Tag Archives politics — page 7
Senate study connects Canadians to soil health
Committee meetings could wrap by Christmas
Balancing farm severances with the need for housing
CFFO supports intensified housing within existing settlement boundaries
The debate on balancing housing demand with agricultural land protection continues to build as agricultural associations draft provincial planning statement letters. It was a hot policy topic at the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario’s June provincial meeting in Elora, where members shared their concerns before the Aug. 4 comment deadline. Why it matters: Housing continues […] Read more
Federal and provincial ag ministers meet in Fredericton
Environmental issues remain a hot topic for provincial agriculture ministers. That and sustainable agriculture dominated discussions during the recent federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) agriculture ministers meeting in Fredericton, N.B. The annual conference was held from July 19-21. The focus on sustainable agriculture tracks, as this is the first time the ministers have met since […] Read more
Barlow’s on-farm biosecurity bill heading to Standing Committee
Animal Justice gearing up to fight
Bill C-275, a private member’s strengthening on-farm biosecurity via the Health of Animals Act, is heading to committee. Alberta Conservative MP John Barlow’s bill was referred to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on June 21 after receiving 313 votes to amend the Health of Animals Act. The committee will hear […] Read more
Opinion: Challenges that will shape the next farm bill – and how the U.S. eats
Glacier FarmMedia – Congress is again writing a multi-year farm bill that will shape what kind of food farmers grow, how they raise it and how it gets to consumers. It’s projected to cost taxpayers US$1.5 trillion over 10 years. Legislators’ response will show whether Congress supports business as usual in agriculture or a more […] Read more
Opinion: Distracted by shiny objects
Public investments in the Volkswagen battery plant should have been earmarked for agriculture
The federal government is investing up to $13.7 billion in subsidies for Volkswagen to build a new electric vehicle battery plant in the St. Thomas, Ont., area. It’s an investment that supporters say paves the way for a green technology transition, bettering the environment as a whole, while providing much-needed jobs to thousands. Detractors have […] Read more
Province halts lot severance policy after industry input
Extended consultation period will allow for further input on housing plans
The Ontario government has agreed to pause its proposed planning statement and Bill 97 pending further discussions. The announcement was made May 30 in a joint release by 14 Ontario agricultural organizations. Why it matters: If passed, the proposed plan would see farmland permanently lost in Ontario. The statement as proposed would allow up to […] Read more
Opinion: What happens when the grain deal fails?
Economic and political unrest abroad will affect Canadians
Russia is using food as a weapon of war, one designed to compel Ukraine and its allies to cave to Russian demands for the open export of its own grain and fertilizer, and subsequently, the import of great quantities of cash for the Russian war chest. While there is a UN-brokered deal for the continued […] Read more
Fight to keep climate-friendly farming funds
Biden administration will have to defend funds in Farm Bill discussions
Reuters – The Biden administration will defend funding for climate-smart farming in the $430 billion U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) if Republican lawmakers seek to cut it during negotiations for the next farm bill, an official said May 1. The IRA, which aims to cut emissions across the U.S. economy, includes $20 billion to support farmers […] Read more
How will municipalities handle housing?
Confusion reigns as province pushes flurry of development policy changes
The Ontario government has made a series of policies over the past year that will alter the trajectory of development. By opening the Greenbelt and other farmland, reclassifying wetlands, reducing density targets and allowing municipalities to expand beyond established urban limits, Doug Ford’s government says it aims to encourage speedy housing construction. Some say these […] Read more
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