A pollster says suburban voters hold significant sway in federal elections and could advance producer interests if they knew what they were
OTTAWA — Farmers should build alliances with suburban voters if they want stronger political representation in the House of Commons, says a leading pollster. Darrell Bricker, global chief executive officer of Ipsos Public Affairs, told delegates to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting that suburban voters hold the greatest voting power. “They decide every […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Proposed plastics ban causes concern
Fruit and vegetable growers fear that federal targets for sustainable packaging will increase costs, waste and emissions
REGINA — Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry is concerned it can’t meet new federal proposals for more sustainable packaging. The president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association said the 850 companies it represents, which grow, pack, ship and sell fresh produce, have already reduced their use of plastic by 17 percent to address the zero […] Read more
European farmers have not embraced green policies
International trade observer points out complex relationship between the EU and its national governments and producers
REGINA — The push for more sustainable agriculture policies in Europe is accentuating the complex relationship between member states and the European Commission, said a trade expert based in Brussels. Christina Kaul from Trade-Up, a network of international trade experts, said North Americans might view the EU as one big block but there is tremendous […] Read more
Fixing WTO seen as major benefit for agriculture
A former Canadian agriculture trade negotiator says rebuilding the international body would take time, but is necessary
OTTAWA — A rebuilt World Trade Organization would benefit agriculture, says long-time Canadian trade negotiator Steve Verheul. He, like most, believes the WTO is fundamentally broken and said agriculture is losing out because of that. “Agriculture in particular, probably more than most sectors, has the potential to benefit a lot from the WTO because it’s […] Read more
Feeders urged to use cash market
Industry told to figure out how to push more fed cattle into the cash market before governments step in with regulations
REGINA — Cattle feeders need to put more fed animals into the cash market, says Dr. Kee Jim, long-time feeder and veterinarian. He said the number of cattle going into cash over the last 20 years has significantly declined. That is beginning to change in the United States and should happen in Canada to help […] Read more
FCC talks up indigenous ag
REGINA — More Indigenous participation in agriculture could add $1.5 billion to Canada’s primary agriculture GDP, according to Farm Credit Canada. A report from the lender said Indigenous people account for five percent of the country’s total population but just 2.1 percent of farmers. Related stories: Entrepreneur says Indigenous people face ag challenges VIDEO: Building […] Read more
Farmers fight changes to cash advance program
Producers applying to the program for the coming year have discovered that the interest-free portion has been reduced
REGINA — Farmers may have to wait until the federal budget to find out if the interest-free portion of cash advances will be available at the same level as last year. The Advance Payment Program offers up to $1 million in loans, and $100,000 is normally interest-free. However, in the last few years the government […] Read more
VIDEO: Bill to protect supply management unlikely to harm trade talks
OTTAWA — Long-time Canadian trade negotiator Steve Verheul says Bill C-282 is a political signal and not likely to threaten future deals. There has been a lot of opposition to the bill from grain and livestock exporters who say entire deals are at risk if the supply managed sectors are kept off the table. The […] Read more
VIDEO: CFA delegates want interest-free portion of APP back at higher limit
OTTAWA — Federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay said Feb. 27 he couldn’t move the interest-free portion of the Advance Payment Program back up to $350,000. However, he did suggest farmers talk to the finance minister about it. Speaking to delegates at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture annual meeting, the minister referenced the APP while talking […] Read more
Livestock company fined after worker hurt
REGINA — A Weyburn, Sask., livestock company has been fined $50,000 after an employee was hurt two years ago. Holdstock Livestock Ltd. pleaded guilty Feb. 13 to one violation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations after an incident April 7, 2022. A worker was seriously injured after a bull charged and knocked the person to […] Read more
