Oct 28 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Science magazine calls for reduced use of nitrogen fertilizers. Ottawa—Farm use of fertilizers to boost crop production is once again getting the wrap for worsening the planet’s greenhouse gas problems without recognizing that the 4-R Program developed by Fertilizer Canada presents a solution. An article in ZME Science, an online publication that generally places […]
Oct 27 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — CAPI sets out a game plan for making the most of the chaos. Ottawa—Rules-based international trade was in trouble before COVID-19 lead to national policies and subsidies that amplified the chaos, says the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI). To cope with the situation, Canada needs to build up its sustainability credentials and find like-minded […]
Oct 23 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Call came as Commons agriculture committee worked on a report urging BRM upgrades. OTTAWA—It’s time for the federal and agriculture ministers to stop dithering on long-overdue improvements to the Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, particularly AgriStability, says the AGgrowth Coalition of major farm organizations. The ministers need “to come to a consensus and finally […]
Oct 21 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Proposed rules could disrupt farm expansion especially in Northern Ontario. Ottawa—Draft federal clean fuel regulations pose a threat to future crop production and farmland expansion, especially in Northern Ontario, says Keith Currie, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Not only would the regulations for a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) limit what crops […]
Oct 20 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Grain is the only commodity ahead of last year moving on the Seaway-Great Lakes. Ottawa—Without large volumes grain to export, Canada’s railways and the Seaway-Great Lakes would be suffering a really bleak year during 2020. Instead CN hauled 7.8 million tonnes of grain in the third-quarter and in September posted its seventh consecutive month […]
Oct 19 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — The next federal budget should endorse the concept. Ottawa—The push from within the agrifood community for sustainable farming and food production has won the backing of a broad coalition of environment groups. The 25-member Green Budget Coalition issued a sweeping set of proposals for the federal government to follow in implementing promises made in the […]
Oct 14 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Canadian plant breeders need a modernized federal approval system for new varieties that is science-based, proportionate to risk, supports innovation and is predictable, says Jennifer Hubert, Director of Plant Biotechnology with CropLife Canada. The current system is intended to ensure the health and safety of consumers and encourage innovation. “But the devil is in the […]
Oct 7 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Move will help companies market domestic products around the world. Ottawa—The Canada Brand platform will receive a makeover to enable it to perform more effectively in today’s social media systems and digital platforms, Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Trade Minister Mary Ng have announced. The Canada Brand was launched in 2006 and provides a […]
Oct 6 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Details on where funding to be spent expected in coming months. Ottawa—Improved rural broadband internet service and agriculture irrigation projects will be receiving major financial support from the Canada Infrastructure Bank in the coming months. It will invest $2 billion into expanding high-speed broadband, and $1.5 billion to irrigate an additional 700,000 acres across […]
Oct 2 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — First promised in April 2019, poultry and egg producers still waiting for payment. Ottawa—Buried in the government’s Sept. 24 policy speech was the repeat of a promise to compensate supply-managed farmers and processors for losses caused by three trade deals. “The government will also ensure that those in Canada’s supply managed sectors receive full […]
Sep 29 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — GFO and other Eastern groups say their members can’t compete with U.S. subsidies. Ottawa—Good words in the Throne Speech are no substitute for action on the many challenges facing the agrifood sector and governments need to act before it’s too late for many farmers. That’s the message from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Grain […]
Sep 24 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Attention now shifts to the federal budget due expected in a few weeks. Ottawa—Other than a pat on the back, the agrifood sector received little attention in the Speech from the Throne Sept. 23 that started the new Parliamentary session. The address said the government would “recognize farmers, foresters, and ranchers as key partners […]
Sep 23 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Alberta study claims livestock grazing around the world harms wildlife. Ottawa—With 44 million acres of pastureland in use, Canadian beef farmers have put a lot of work into ensuring their grazing livestock aren’t harming the environment, says the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. Close partnerships with many wildlife, nature and conservation organizations ensures that livestock production […]
Sep 22 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — Trade minister, former premiers agree agrifood shortchanged in trade deal. Ottawa-While the Canada-Europe free trade deal is usually described in glowing terms for its benefits to the Canadian economy, it hasn’t worked out for the country’s farmers, says Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA). The deal reached its third anniversary […]
Sep 16 2020 — Alex Binkley — National Newswatch — The 4R program has been shown to reduce emissions. Ottawa-A proposed carbon offset program developed by Environment Canada makes no mention of a fertilizer management initiative that’s been credited with reducing carbon emissions from farms. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Protocol is recognized in both Canada and the United States for its success in reducing […]