Latest news with #HeathMacDonald
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Manitoba, federal ag ministers announce funding for local food processors
Nineteen food processors in Manitoba will share in more than $6 million in provincial and federal funding, Manitoba's agriculture minister announced Wednesday. Ron Kostyshyn, in a statement alongside federal agriculture and agri-food minister Heath MacDonald, said the money — via the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership — will go toward expanding facilities, and upgrading equipment and technology. Story continues below advertisement 'These investments support our economy, strengthen our communities and ensure sustainable food security for generations,' said Kostyshyn. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'By enhancing our local food infrastructure, we help to create jobs, reduce our carbon footprint and foster a resilient food system that benefits everyone.' Among projects receiving funding are Brandon's Maple Leaf facility, along with Jowett Farms (Blumenort), River Valley Specialty Farms (Bagot), Prairie Flour Mills (Elie), Buffalo Creek Mills (Altona), and Prairie Fava (Glenboro). 'When we invest in food processors, we're helping them grow, stay competitive and ensure they can keep putting their high-quality food on tables here in Canada and around the world,' said MacDonald.
Global News
4 days ago
- 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.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Saskatchewan, Ottawa to boost farming program in response to trade issues and drought
REGINA - Saskatchewan's government and Ottawa say they're providing additional support to a farm income stabilization program in response to trade issues and dry conditions. The province says farmers who use AgriStability will see an increase in their compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, resulting in larger payouts if eligible margins decline. It says the maximum payment cap is doubling from $3 million to $6 million per operation, and livestock producers will see a new inventory valuation method for feed used on the farm. Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says the changes aim to give farmers more protection. Areas of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta are in a drought, which has decimated crop yields. Farmers are also dealing with trade uncertainty due to tariffs from China and the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025. 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? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan, Ottawa to boost farming program in response to trade issues and drought
REGINA — Saskatchewan's government and Ottawa say they're providing additional support to a farm income stabilization program in response to trade issues and dry conditions. The province says farmers who use AgriStability will see an increase in their compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, resulting in larger payouts if eligible margins decline. It says the maximum payment cap is doubling from $3 million to $6 million per operation, and livestock producers will see a new inventory valuation method for feed used on the farm. Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says the changes aim to give farmers more protection. Areas of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta are in a drought, which has decimated crop yields. Farmers are also dealing with trade uncertainty due to tariffs from China and the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025. The Canadian Press Sign in to access your portfolio
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Saskatchewan, Ottawa to boost farming program in response to trade issues and drought
REGINA – Saskatchewan's government and Ottawa say they're providing additional support to a farm income stabilization program in response to trade issues and dry conditions. The province says farmers who use AgriStability will see an increase in their compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, resulting in larger payouts if eligible margins decline. It says the maximum payment cap is doubling from $3 million to $6 million per operation, and livestock producers will see a new inventory valuation method for feed used on the farm. Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says the changes aim to give farmers more protection. Areas of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta are in a drought, which has decimated crop yields. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Farmers are also dealing with trade uncertainty due to tariffs from China and the United States. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.
