Latest news with #AgricultureandAgri-Food
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Media Notice - Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to visit Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines to strengthen Indo-Pacific partnerships Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will travel to Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines to advance Canada's agricultural trade interests in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific region represents significant opportunities for growing the Canadian economy. Encompassing 40 economies, over four billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity, it is the world's fastest growing region and home to six of Canada's top 13 trading partners. Strengthening collaboration with regional partners will help Canada diversify trade and become the strongest economy in the G7. During the trip, Minister MacDonald will meet with senior government officials, Canadian and local business leaders, and other important stakeholders to promote Canadian agricultural and agri-food products, strengthen bilateral relationships, and explore opportunities of mutual interest in key Indo-Pacific markets. Quote "Canada is a trusted supplier of sustainable, top-quality agricultural products that are in demand around the world. This trip is about promoting these products, advancing trade discussions, and building relationships that will create new opportunities for our hardworking producers back home." - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Crop insurance extends for AgriStability producers
In a year plagued with drought conditions and trade instability, both federal and provincial levels of government announced a boost to the AgriStability program last week. 'It's nice to be able to announce those today,' said provincial Agriculture Minister, Daryl Harrison on July 21. 'I think producers are looking forward to it, producer groups are looking forward to it. It's nice to see it come to fruition.' AgriStability helps farming operations that face a large margin decline caused by production loss, increased costs, or market conditions. Personalized for every producer who enrols, coverage uses historical information based on income tax and supplementary information. Delivered through the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, it's one of the business risk management programs in the federal Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. For this year only, participants in the AgriStability program will see an increase in the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and the maximum cap is doubling to $6 million per operation. Some parts of Saskatchewan are experiencing the 'worst drought in a decade,' with 44 per cent of the province listed as under drought conditions and 38 per cent classified as abnormally dry. The severity in some places is reminiscent of the Dirty Thirties—leading to the RMs of Enterprise, Maple Creek, Fox Valley, Waverley, Big Stick, and Wood River declaring a local state of emergency. 'Now is the time for unity, and we are working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them,' Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said. 'That is why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.' As for future changes, AgriStability will see adjustments to the feed inventory pricing for livestock, starting in 2026. Some allowable expenses are also under consideration for the 2026 program year. 'The Saskatchewan Cattle Association has long advocated for changes to the eligible feed expenses and changes to the feed inventory pricing for AgriStability,' SCA Chair Chad Ross said. 'We applaud the changes announced today, including moving forward with the permanent change to the feed inventory pricing for the 2026 program year. This should make the program more responsive for livestock producers. We will continue to advocate for the allowable feed expenses to become permanent as well.' From the years 2018 to 2023, the AgriStability program paid out more than $645 million in benefits, and payments are trending higher for the 2024 program year. The deadline for producers to enrol in the 2025 AgriStability is fast approaching, even though it has been extended to July 31 (from April 30). Chinese tariffs continue to worry canola producers During the virtual meeting between MacDonald and provincial and territorial ag ministers, the Chinese canola tariff was another hot topic. Put in place back in March, China imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola oil and meal, which was in response to Canada's tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. 'Our trade is a moving target,' Harrison told the World-Spectator. 'My biggest question from producers is China, and the canola oil and canola meal specifically— peas as well. They're worried about the trade with China, because China's tariffs are counter tariffs in response to our federal government's 100 per cent EV tariffs.' Harrison says there appears to be no movement with regards to the Chinese canola tariff 'I brought it up at the FPT call, but also directly to Minister McDonald,' Harrison explained. 'He said there are talks going on, that they are engaged. I said, 'that's the first question that's most often asked,' and the fact there's been little or no mention to it in any of the federal government's dialogue, nor in any media. Not knowing anything is probably worse than getting bad news, but most certainly, everybody's kind of waiting on pins and needles just to see. It's a huge cash crop for our producers, and then our canola crushers are also right in the middle of this.' Harrison also continues to be boggled as to the reasoning behind the retaliatory tariffs from China, citing the Chinese EV market in Canada doesn't seem to be all too large. 'We've been pushing the federal government since the counter tariffs came in, and actually even prior to it, because we knew when they initiated the tariffs on EV vehicles, that there could be repercussions, and there eventually was,' he said. 'We still continue to pressure the federal government—the new prime minister and new federal ag minister—they need to engage with China on a nation to nation level and get this resolved. 'I'm not sure that there's even an electric vehicle market here in Canada to try to protect, so it's really unclear as to what the intention was of our federal government to impose this in the first place,' Harrison concluded. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? 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Global News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
Enhancements announced for federal AgriStability program to combat drought, tariffs
The federal and Saskatchewan governments have announced significant adjustments to the AgriStability program for the 2025 crop year aimed at providing additional financial relief to producers facing trade instability and non-ideal weather conditions. In a recent virtual meeting, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, and Saskatchewan's Minister of Agriculture, Daryl Harrison, unveiled changes to improve AgriStability's support for farmers. MacDonald emphasized, 'We are working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them. That is why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.' For 2025, AgriStability participants will see their compensation rate increase to 90 per cent from 80 per cent. This change means farmers experiencing a significant decline in their margins will receive 90 cents for every dollar of loss. Story continues below advertisement Additionally, the maximum payout per operation is rising to $6 million from $3 million. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Supporting producers with immediate changes to AgriStability increases the effectiveness of the program,' Harrison said. 'Reliable and effective business risk management programs help protect against large declines in producers' margins and are an important tool for a strong agricultural sector in Saskatchewan.' Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), welcomed these changes but noted there is still room for improvement. 'It's nice to see that the compensation level increased from 80 to 90 per cent, but we're still only looking at a 70 per cent coverage level. So, there's still areas of the programming that we would like to see improved.' Saskatchewan's agricultural sector is currently facing a combination of challenges, from tariffs on key exports like canola and pork to severe drought conditions affecting various regions. The changes to AgriStability come at a crucial time for farmers who are dealing with both immediate and ongoing financial pressures. While some livestock producers will need to wait until 2026 for changes to feed inventory pricing, this adjustment is expected to better reflect the real-world conditions of farms, particularly during drought years. 'We're optimistic about the changes for livestock producers, particularly in drought-stricken areas,' said Prybylski. 'But there's still more work to be done to make sure the program fully addresses the unique needs of farmers across the province.' Story continues below advertisement The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has already started implementing the updates, and producers are encouraged to review their eligibility. The deadline for enrollment in AgriStability for the 2025 program year has been extended to July 31, 2025.
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Media Notice - Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to attend the Calgary Stampede
OTTAWA, ON, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, will travel to Alberta next week to attend the Calgary Stampede and meet with key stakeholders from the agriculture and agri-food industry. Alberta is crucial to Canada's agricultural sector, accounting for more than a quarter of farm revenues – the highest in the country. Minister MacDonald will visit ranches, farms and agri-businesses and speak with producers and industry leaders, including those in agri-food and food processing. Discussions will focus on ways to ensure the sector stays strong and resilient, with key topics including increasing access to global markets, strengthening competitiveness through innovation and reducing regulatory burden, and putting more money in the pockets of producers. Quote "Alberta's farmers, ranchers and food processors are the backbone of Canada's economy, and the Calgary Stampede is a proud celebration of that heritage. I'm eager to get out in the field to hear from the folks who drive the sector forward, and work alongside them to ensure it continues to thrive." - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Toronto Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
CHARLEBOIS: Feds still think food industry ends at the farmgate
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo by Postmedia file With the pomp of the opening ceremonies behind us, Canada's 45th Parliament is finally getting to work. A new government is in place, complete with a new minister of Agriculture, a throne speech, and a single, somewhat generic mandate letter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Yet, for the agri-food sector, it all feels underwhelming. Heath MacDonald, Canada's new Agriculture minister, began his tenure by reaffirming support for farmers. That's a political necessity. But if this government is serious about food affordability, economic growth, and trade resilience, the minister must broaden his focus beyond primary producers. The Liberal platform emphasized support for the food processing sector during the campaign, but so far, little has materialized. Under the previous government, major files like food inflation and the grocery code of conduct were handled outside of the agriculture portfolio. Minister François-Philippe Champagne, then responsible for innovation and competition, was tasked with managing those files. While it made structural sense given the Competition Bureau's place in his department, it also signaled a chronic sidelining of agriculture in national economic strategy. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If agri-food is to become a top-tier policy priority, the Agriculture minister must assert a leadership role — not just for farmers but for the entire food value chain. That means linking supply and demand economics, from farmgate to grocery shelf. The new mandate letter fails to address food security, food affordability, or food innovation in any specific way. And while the throne speech repeated the government's usual vows to protect supply management — a policy that governs dairy, eggs and poultry and is still widely misunderstood by Canadians — it offered no new thinking on how to evolve a system in a changing global food landscape. The overarching tone from the new government is one of economic renewal. That's welcome. But how will the agri-food sector fit into Canada's broader economic, climate and geopolitical agenda? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Farmers face steep tariffs in key global markets like India and China — issues that have dragged on for months without meaningful federal response. These are not minor trading partners — they are the two most populous nations on the planet. Yet, the prime minister has remained largely silent. Then there's the carbon tax. The industrial carbon tax — arguably the most economically damaging aspect of Canada's climate pricing framework — continues to erode competitiveness in the agri-food sector. Many Canadians are unaware that processors and growers shoulder heavy costs, particularly in comparison to their U.S. counterparts. Tariffs on American imports might make for good politics, but they don't change the economic reality: The U.S. produces food more efficiently and more cheaply than we do. The cost gap is growing, not shrinking. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Competition policy remains another unresolved file. The grocery code of conduct and the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers represent two of the most impactful, yet long-delayed, reforms. Properly implemented, these initiatives could inject more fairness into food supply chains, level the playing field for suppliers, and ultimately benefit consumers through greater variety and price stability. But chatter is not enough. Successive governments have promised action — none have delivered. With a volatile and unpredictable regime in Washington, Canada can no longer afford to delay. The opportunity for bold, strategic action is now. This Parliament can do better. But it must move from symbolism to substance — and from promises to policy execution. The agri-food economy depends on it. — Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is the Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Tennis NFL
