Farmers in Europe and Mexico say roadblocks for some forms of agricultural innovation stand in the way of sustainability
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Farmers from countries reluctant to approve new tools such as gene editing say they could use those technologies to meet demand, be profitable and ensure environmental sustainability. Several representatives, including organic farmers, said during a North American European Union farm leaders conference that innovation is critical. The pandemic, war in Ukraine and […] Read more
Karen Briere
Stories by Karen Briere
Organic growers renew gene editing demands
Sector cites media reports alleging secret discussions among proponents of voluntary disclosure of gene edited seed
The Canadian organic sector has repeated its call for mandatory disclosure of gene edited seeds, citing a media report suggesting closed-door discussions led to Ottawa’s decision to make disclosure voluntary. Radio-Canada, the French arm of the CBC, reported that a partnership between the government, CropLife Canada and the Canada Grains Council, known as the Tiger […] Read more
Producer groups ask Sask. to review Bunge-Viterra deal
Four Saskatchewan farm organizations have asked the provincial government to examine the proposed merger of Bunge and Viterra. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, SaskCanola, SaskWheat and SaskBarley wrote to agriculture minister David Marit asking for a “thorough risk assessment.” The Saskatchewan government said it is closely watching developments but this falls under federal jurisdiction. […] Read more
Grain drying alternatives called few
Engineers working on grain drying technology said alternatives to fossil fuels are years away. William David Lubitz, associate professor at the University of Guelph’s school of engineering, and Chandra Singh, senior research chair in agricultural engineering and technology at Lethbridge College, told the Senate agriculture committee that farmers have no viable replacements for propane and […] Read more
Biosecurity bill’s jurisdiction questioned
A constitutional lawyer said a private member’s bill that would penalize those who illegally enter livestock barns is outside federal legislative jurisdiction. Dr. Jodi Lazare, associate professor at Dalhousie University’s law school, said the bill that purports to protect biosecurity is actually a trespass bill, and trespass is dealt with by provincial laws. She told […] Read more
U.S. encouraged to get back to the trade table
Former negotiator says other countries are busy signing deals while the U.S. appears unconcerned about market access
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A former U.S. trade negotiator said the U.S. risks falling further behind if it doesn’t get back to negotiating agreements. Joseph Glauber said the U.S. has sat on the sidelines for years while its competitors have signed numerous trade deals. “I think it’s a real mistake,” he told the North American, European […] Read more
Senate hears new ideas on carbon tax exemption
Testimony at hearings into grain dryer fuel bill calls for expanding exemption, putting farmers in large emitter category
New ideas continue to come forward in the debate over whether propane and natural gas used on farms should be exempt from carbon pricing. The Senate agriculture committee is examining C-234, which passed the House of Commons earlier this year. Last week members heard from farmers and other stakeholders who are grappling with the idea […] Read more
Supply management bill reaches second reading in Senate
The private member’s bill would prevent supply managed sectors from being on the table during future trade negotiations
The bill to enshrine support for supply management in federal legislation is at second reading in the Senate. Bill C-282 would amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to keep supply managed sectors out of future trade negotiations. Senator Amina Gerba from Quebec moved second reading, saying she agreed to sponsor the […] Read more
Ag committee studies federal trespasser bill
Agriculture critic John Barlow’s private member’s bill to fine trespassers who enter barns or properties where animals are kept is now under scrutiny at the House of Commons’ agriculture committee. Bill C-275 would amend the Health of Animals Act. “Simply put, this enactment would apply existing penalties within the act to people who trespass on […] Read more
Farmers make case for science-based policy
From the European Union to Mexico, producers push back against gov’t policies they say do not make scientific sense
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Farmers from across Europe and North America are pushing back against government policies they say are not science-based. Lloyd C. Day, deputy director general of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture, said farmers know that policies such as the European Union’s Farm to Fork initiative will not work. He said the […] Read more
